Jackson County delays purchase decision for tax-collector building, schedules special meeting

Jackson County commissioners postponed a vote on buying a building for the tax collector and driver’s license services and scheduled a special meeting for April 8 at 2:00 p.m. to consider final cost figures and relocation estimates.

County Administrator Miss Murdock told the board the administration building fund holds $858,492.16 after recent deductions and a reserve account contains $846,411, together “around $1,700,000.” She said that if the board proceeds with the purchase it would leave about $679,903.16 in reserves but that relocation costs for the tax collector and driver’s license office were still pending and “we're still waiting on 2 numbers.”

The administrator also summarized the negotiation over the building’s price: the owner opened at $1,066,000; county counters included $925,000 and $995,000; the owner’s final offer was $1,025,000.

Former Sheriff Roberts and former Tax Collector Betty Jo Hatcher spoke in public comment in favor of the purchase. Roberts said the move would improve accessibility for older residents and reduce the inconvenience of split service locations, calling it “an opportunity like this does not come along that often.” Hatcher described customers’ difficulties with split offices and noted, “The tax collector's office only gets $3 for a tag fee,” adding that most transaction fees go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

In the board discussion several commissioners said that buying an existing, largely move-in-ready building would likely cost less than constructing a new facility, and that the county’s alternative — renovating the former sheriff’s office on Highway 90 — could require roughly $200 per square foot in renovations. Commissioners also noted uncertainty about relocation timing because of coordination with state partners such as the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

A motion to postpone a final decision and reconvene with the outstanding relocation numbers was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The special meeting was set for April 8 at 2:00 p.m. The board discussed marketing the renovated sheriff’s office for lease or sale to recoup funds if the purchase moves forward.

The vote to delay does not decide whether the county will buy the building; commissioners said the special meeting will include the final relocation cost estimates before any binding vote.