Commissioners approve controversial property sale amid legal concerns

In a recent government meeting, commissioners discussed a motion to grant a tax refund related to a property dispute, which raised concerns about personal liability for board members. The motion, proposed by Commissioner Levis and seconded by Commissioner Hunt, aimed to refund approximately $580 to a resident who claimed a mix-up regarding property ownership linked to their deceased grandmother. The board acknowledged the potential legal implications, as state law stipulates that members voting in favor of a refund could be held personally liable if the decision is later deemed illegitimate.

Despite the risks, the commissioners unanimously supported the motion, emphasizing the ethical obligation to rectify the situation. Commissioner McCracken, not a board member, expressed confidence that the property in question did not belong to his grandmother and offered to reimburse any taxes if the county confirmed the heirs.

The meeting also addressed a proposal for a new single-family home development on a 47-acre county-owned tract of land. An investor has submitted an offer of $1,078,625, accompanied by a 5% deposit, to purchase the property. The project, referred to as \"Project Quiet,\" is still in the planning stages, with further discussions needed regarding zoning changes from industrial to residential classifications.

The commissioners are set to proceed with the upset bid process for the property sale, while also coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the necessary rezoning. This development is part of broader efforts to enhance economic growth in Rutherford County, which includes various municipal projects and expansions.