Applicant told city must advertise, appraise building if public sale or lease is sought for West Helena library site

At Monday’s meeting, a resident who identified herself as running a nonprofit sought city approval for access to the West Helena Public Library building, either by lease or purchase. She asked for a yes-or-no decision after several prior appearances.

City Attorney (unnamed) explained to the council and to the applicant that any lease or sale of municipal property must be open to the public and that the city must obtain a reasonable value. He told the applicant the city could not simply give the property away and that a purchase would require an appraisal and a public bidding or competitive process. For a lease, the city likewise must offer the opportunity to others and seek reasonable compensation.

The applicant said she was not asking for a handout and that she wanted a space to continue community programming. The council and city attorney outlined the process she should follow: the city could advertise for bids or competitive lease proposals, obtain an appraisal (city-ordered appraiser) and allow public participation in the sale or lease process. Staff noted appraisers in the region are in high demand, which could affect timing.

Council members did not vote on a sale or lease but asked the applicant to provide further details on her proposal and acknowledged the law limits the city’s authority to favor one private party. No final decision was made; the council directed staff to follow statutory bidding and appraisal procedures if an official application to lease or purchase moves forward.