Tax collector urges move from courthouse; commissioners approve 30‑day contract option to buy former Social Security building

The Jackson County tax collector told commissioners the county’s current driver’s license office is unsafe, not ADA compliant and inadequate for customer demand, and asked the board to consider purchasing a vacant former Social Security office as a move-in‑ready replacement.

Why it matters: the tax collector’s office issues licenses and vital records and serves residents from neighboring counties; staff and commissioners cited liability and accessibility concerns with the existing courthouse location and said a suitable new facility could reduce long-term renovation costs and improve customer access.

Tax collector’s request and property details Mary Carol Murdock, Jackson County Tax Collector, said the current driver’s license office ‘‘has failed the water sample test so often that they’ve bleached the pump’’ and listed repeated repairs, noncompliant restrooms and safety incidents including falls and a wheelchair access problem. ‘‘We have outgrown this building,’’ she said, asking the board to consider acquiring a nearby former Social Security office at 4125 Jara Court.

Staff described the property as 7,395 square feet on 0.86 acres, with 12 built customer service windows, a large lobby and security features; the owner had reached an asking/accepted price of $1,025,000 (quoted in the meeting as $138 per square foot). County staff and commissioners compared the figure to local renovation costs, saying a new-build of comparable space would likely cost substantially more per square foot.

Board action and due diligence After extended discussion about timing, moving costs, potential funding sources and the ability to withdraw, the board approved entering a purchase contract that includes a 30‑day due‑diligence period and a refundable $5,000 deposit to be held by the title company. Staff said the deposit is refundable if the board elects to exit the contract during the due‑diligence period. Commissioners also scheduled a special meeting (proposed April 1 at 2:00 p.m.) to review moving estimates, utilities and costs associated with converting courthouse space for other uses.

Commissioners emphasized outstanding questions Commissioners asked for a cost analysis on moving and future utility/operating costs, whether funds earmarked for an administration building could be reallocated, and whether the county would incur additional security or renovation costs for the courthouse if offices relocate. County counsel (Michelle Jordan) and staff said the contract contains contingencies, including an appraisal contingency that could extend timing if an appraisal is not completed within 30 days.

What the vote did (process clarity) The board’s votes and procedural steps were discussed at length on the record, including a motion to rescind and replace prior procedural language during the meeting; staff advised that the contract’s due‑diligence and appraisal contingencies mean the board may withdraw without penalty during the stated period. A $5,000 deposit is due within seven days of a signed contract; staff said the money would be refunded if the board backs out during the 30‑day period.

Next steps Staff will supply estimates for moving costs, projected utility and security expenses for a relocated tax‑collector office, an appraisal and any site or remediation reports. Commissioners set a special meeting to review the information and to decide whether to complete the purchase within the due‑diligence window.