Board directs staff to pursue demolition of county-owned building to create saleable land; motion passes

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners voted to direct staff to pursue demolition of a county-owned building and to return a bid-award recommendation to the board.

Rick Vaughn, Klamath County property manager, presented returned bids for asbestos abatement and either limited interior demolition to prepare for remodel or full demolition after abatement. Vaughn outlined options including keeping the structure, abating and remodeling, demolishing and selling bare ground, or holding the property for a future county project.

Allison York of Windermere Real Estate presented comparable sales and estimated market values: she told the board a sale "as is with the building on-site" would likely fetch about $1,200,000, while bare ground would be worth about $900,000 based on recent local comps. York said abatement costs typically are paid by buyers and that a clean, bare site is generally easier and quicker to market.

Board discussion weighed the higher cost of remodeling an existing shell against building new construction on bare ground. One board member called the current structure an "eyesore" and argued demolition would show momentum and make the site more marketable. A motion to proceed with demolition was made and seconded; commissioners voted in favor by voice, the chair recorded an affirmative vote and "the motion passes." Staff said the formal award will come back to the board as a blue-sheet packet recommending award to the lowest responsive bidder under the chosen option.

The board did not set an exact demolition start date in the meeting. The property manager noted a potential deed "reversionary clause" for fairground parcels if the land ceases to be used as fairgrounds; staff advised that such clauses could limit the county's ability to sell land if use changed, and that the county should consider that constraint when deciding long-term plans for the site.