Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews inventory of roughly 500 city parcels as staff eyes sales or public–private options to ease budget shortfall
Summary
Staff presented an inventory of about 500 city‑owned parcels and outlined how targeted disposals or public‑private partnerships could provide one‑time revenue to help the city meet projected budget reductions tied to conversion to RSA and SSUT impacts.
City staff presented an updated inventory of city‑owned properties and asked council committee members to review parcels in their districts for possible disposal, public‑private partnerships, or consolidation.
Staff said the inventory includes roughly 500 properties (excluding easements) across residential, commercial and mixed‑use districts. The presentation flagged several specific parcels for committee attention: the former Fire Station 11 (near contract pending), the former 3200 Greensboro Avenue TFR administration site (previous appraisal shown at $3,300,000), and an old jail property noted as having historic designation. Staff also noted the Preservation Society holds a lease on the Battle of Freedom property through Sept. 30, 2025, with an additional five‑year option and a requirement that the property be used only for public or municipal purposes.
Staff framed the review in the context of larger budget pressures. They said conversion to RSA set for July 1, 2026, involves a planned $4 million in annual budget cuts and that SSUT will remove $15 million from the city’s budget this year. Selling properties could produce one‑time revenues to help in the near term and return land to the tax rolls, staff said. Staff cautioned some parcels carry deed restrictions or CDBG flags; proceeds from CDBG‑flagged parcels would need to be reinvested in eligible activities.
Committee members and staff discussed alternatives to outright sale, including public‑private partnerships and consolidating operations to free up underused buildings. Staff gave business‑case details for some facilities, noting the Phelps Center had an operating deficit “over $400,000 a year” and that the MacAfee (Macabee/Maccabee in transcript) Center’s deficit was described as roughly $450,000; staff said those deficits factor into disposal or reuse decisions. Staff asked committee members to review the packet, flagged several premium parcels for priority consideration, and offered to bring proposals back to council in the coming year.
