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Commission discusses land swap to reduce city debt: county considers accepting city-owned properties in lieu of $3.1 million owed
Summary
County and city officials discussed the possibility of swapping roughly 221 acres of city-owned land (including facilities the county currently operates) to reduce or forgive a city debt of about $3.1 million. The commission agreed to raise the proposal with the city council and seek surveys and legal review.
County attorneys and commissioners discussed a proposed exchange of property and debt relief with the city: the county would acquire several parcels the city currently owns — including land around the golf course, airport property, a baseball field and Triangle Park — in exchange for reducing a roughly $3.1 million city debt to the county.
Darcy (county attorney) summarized the land holdings under discussion at about 221 acres in total, described as a northeast quarter plus additional parcels that include approximately 60 acres near the baseball field and Triangle Park. She recommended surveying the country-club corner parcel (where the club operates under an LLC on city land) so that any transfer would clearly exclude privately held club improvements and address liability concerns.
Commissioners discussed mechanics: the swap could be structured as a purchase with loan forgiveness or as a direct deed transfer and loan reduction. Darcy advised that intergovernmental trades between two governments can proceed without a formal appraisal if both parties agree, but she recommended presenting the proposal publicly to the city council and documenting the transaction with deeds and potentially resolutions from each governing body. She suggested commissioners or staff attend the next city council meeting to gauge interest.
Why it matters: the transaction would materially affect county land ownership, county maintenance responsibilities, and the city’s outstanding debt obligation. Commissioners asked for a transparent public conversation with the city council and recommended surveying the parcels and preparing legal documents to ensure boundaries are clear and liability is allocated properly.
Next steps: County staff will contact the city and attempt to place the proposal on the city council agenda for public discussion. County attorney will prepare potential deed language and consider a notice of intent or purchase if needed; commissioners said a county representative should attend the city council meeting to present the proposal.
