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Walton County agrees to buy Thriftway property for $650,000 after appraisal dispute
Summary
After receiving two appraisals with a midpoint below the purchase price, the board voted to proceed with a $650,000 purchase of the Thriftway property in Defuniak Springs, citing long-term strategic needs near the courthouse.
Walton County commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 14 to approve a purchase agreement for the Thriftway property on Highway 90 for $650,000, overriding staff briefing that showed the midpoint of two required appraisals at $582,500.
Why it matters: The parcel sits adjacent to county-owned properties near the courthouse campus. The board’s purchase intends to preserve space for future county needs — potential parking, relocation of the supervisor of elections or other administrative uses — rather than allowing an investor to hold the land while costs rise.
Background: County staff said two appraisals were required because the purchase price would exceed $500,000. One appraisal matched the $650,000 asking price; the other came in at $515,000 and used comparables from neighboring counties. Administration advised commissioners that the midpoint of the two appraisals is $582,500 and that any purchase above that midpoint requires a supermajority.
Discussion: Commissioners and the seller’s representatives disputed the lower appraisal’s comparables, noting recent local transactions, the county’s adjacent holdings and the parcel’s strategic value. County staff said the low appraisal relied on comps outside Walton County that staff viewed as poor comparisons.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Glidewell moved to buy the property at the contracted price of $650,000; a second was recorded and the motion passed on a unanimous vote. Commissioners said they would complete closing documents and bring the closing for ministerial approval at the Jan. 28 consent agenda, with a closing date targeted for Jan. 31; staff noted timing constraints tied to the clerk’s payment processes.
Clarifying details: Staff said two appraisals are part of the procurement rules for the county when a proposed purchase exceeds statutory thresholds; they also noted the property has been discussed for years as a potential county acquisition to support courthouse and county administrative needs. Commissioners said this purchase fills an important gap in the county campus footprint.
Ending: The county attorney and staff will prepare closing documents and the item will appear on the Jan. 28 consent agenda if the seller signs required paperwork; if the seller declines the contract, the proposed purchase will not proceed.
