Jackson County commissioners approve purchase of building for tax collector after debate on security and costs

Jackson County commissioners voted to move forward with buying a commercial building to house the county tax collector and some related services, the board heard during a discussion that focused on an appraisal, estimated relocation costs and how to handle security at the new site.

The appraisal came in at $1,055,000, $30,000 above the agreed sale price of $1,025,000, Mary Carol, tax collector, told the board. County staff presented a memo outlining relocation needs including cabling and cameras, specific equipment for the tax office, relocation of state-owned equipment ($5,002.35) and building signage (about $2,500). The memo estimated roughly $34,000 for those items and said total relocation expenses would be “less than $50,000.” Mary Carol said she would pay for new furniture from the tax collector’s excess fees.

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