Committee votes to surplus two Bedford County parcels, forwards sale to commission

The Bedford County Courthouse and Property Committee voted to declare two county-owned parcels surplus and forward them to the full county commission for sale.

The parcels discussed were a small lot on Bridge Street in the Bell Buckle/Hill area and a landlocked back corner parcel off Whitaker Road in the Wheel area. The committee heard that the county assessor, Rhonda Clanton, confirmed both parcels are county-owned and are not encumbered, meaning they could be sold if the commission approves surplus designation.

Committee members said the Bridge Street parcel appears to abut the road and was not previously requested for county use. The second parcel is landlocked with no road access and was described as unlikely to provide long-term benefit to the county. Committee members noted that neither parcel is currently on the tax roll; if sold, the properties would return to the tax roll.

The committee discussed the administrative steps required to sell surplus property. Staff said the finance department would manage the public-surplus process, which includes public notice and sealed bids before final action by the full commission.

A motion to surplus the Bridge Street parcel passed on a roll call vote of yes by Commissioner Thomas; Commissioner Davis; Commissioner Thompson; Commissioner Neely; and the chair. A separate motion to surplus the landlocked Whitaker Road parcel passed by the same roll call.

No specific sale price, appraisal, or prospective buyer was presented to the committee; staff said additional information would be provided if the commission requests it.