Commissioners discuss sale of Winchester property to prevention group, ask for deed protections and appraisal

Sumner County General Operations Committee members discussed a plan to sell the county-owned property on East Winchester to the Southern Prevention Coalition and related recovery services organizations, and directed staff to negotiate terms that would protect public-health use of the land.

Committee members said the county should secure a deed restriction that preserves the property for public-health or recovery purposes and requested an appraisal before completing any sale.

The discussion matters because the county has received multiple proposals to use the parcel for addiction-prevention and recovery services. Committee members debated whether to convey the property at the figure cited in prior valuations, how to protect county interests if the property is subdivided, and which grant and opioid-abatement funds could be used to support renovation or demolition and rebuilding.

Commissioners and staff outlined two main options: sell or lease the parcel to a not-for-profit partner, or retain county control and allocate funds for renovation or program support. Commissioners voiced concern about losing flexibility if the county conveys the entire parcel without a legal mechanism ensuring continued use for public-health purposes.

Sumner County staff reported a title irregularity dating to the 1940s: one of three original tracts that now comprise the consolidated parcel contains language that the land “shall be used as a public health center” and that title would revert to the City of Gallatin if that purpose ceases. That restriction shaped much of the committee’s discussion of deed language and potential subdivision.

Members urged an appraisal and recommended including a reverter or similar deed restriction that requires continued public-health use. One commissioner also proposed adding a first-right-of-refusal or buyback language to protect the county if the parcel is later redeveloped for non-health purposes.

Public speakers from the prevention coalition and affiliated groups described planned uses. Jerica Mayo, president of the Sumner Prevention Coalition, said the building would “allow us to unite with other agencies, extend our reach and touch more lives than ever before.” Ashley Drew, board member of the Prevention Coalition, said the group had made an offer “in good faith” and added, “we are not asking to receive the building for free.” Both speakers emphasized that grant cuts have reduced available operating dollars and that preserving program funding mattered as much as acquiring the site itself.

A committee member moved to authorize county staff to negotiate a sale of the Winchester property for the figure discussed in committee and to include a reverter provision requiring continued public-health use; Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. The motion’s precise vote count is not recorded in the committee excerpted transcript; staff said they would pursue an appraisal and return with formal terms for the commission.

Next steps: county staff will obtain an appraisal, draft deed language (including the proposed reverter/restrictions), and prepare negotiated terms for a future commission agenda. The committee also discussed the possibility of subdividing the parcel so deed terms can apply to relevant lots if needed.

The committee left the item pending the appraisal and a draft deed for review by legal counsel and finance, and asked staff to return to General Operations with recommended terms and a final budget impact analysis.