Atchison County commissioners consider selling county lake, endorse public notice and preparatory steps

Atchison County commissioners discussed the potential sale of the county lake during their Feb. 11 meeting, agreeing to pursue additional fact‑finding and to issue public notice so residents are informed.

The commission said it wants a public one‑page announcement and media outreach that explains why the county is considering the sale, what the county hopes to do with any proceeds and a timeline for next steps. Commissioners asked staff to continue negotiating commission structure and fees with the county’s prospective real‑estate contact and to return with details before any formal sale decision.

The discussion focused on balancing transparency with the need to complete technical work before any binding commitments. Commissioners said they expect local opposition and want to ensure residents have advance notice rather than learning about a transaction “right before you’re ready to sign on the dotted line.” They suggested distributing the notice through local radio, the county website, social media and local newspapers, and agreed a news release and an offer of a comment period at a regular meeting would be appropriate.

Staff flagged several preparatory tasks that would be required if the county moves forward: surveying and platting roads that currently are not platted through the property, and drafting legal descriptions and easements. A staff estimate given during the meeting indicated securing a surveyor and completing road descriptions could take roughly three to six months once started. Commissioners also noted potential infrastructure work (water lines, pipe/bridge repairs and other facility needs) as possible uses of sale proceeds but did not set or commit any specific uses.

Commissioners agreed on a two‑track approach: continue negotiations with the real‑estate contact and prepare public outreach materials (a one‑page summary) to make the community aware the county is exploring a sale. They asked the finance director to provide acreage and estimated tax‑roll impacts for inclusion in public materials before the county issues the notice.

No formal action to sell the lake was taken at the meeting; commissioners limited the session to direction to staff and outreach planning. The commission scheduled follow‑up discussion and a potential presentation from the real‑estate contact after staff returns with negotiated commission terms and the requested technical and fiscal details.

The topic included repeated references to “Midwest Lane Group” as the prospective real‑estate contact and to internal staff members who would negotiate terms; the commission did not vote on a listing agreement or on any disposition of proceeds at the Feb. 11 meeting.