Dearborn County commissioners table decision on Westside Drive parcel in Aurora

At the Dearborn County Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 19, commissioners discussed options for a county-owned parcel on Westside Drive in Aurora after staff reported an adjacent property owner and the City of Aurora had both expressed interest.

County staff explained three options: (1) have the property appraised and put it up for sale to any bidder; (2) transfer the parcel to the Aurora Redevelopment Commission via substantially identical resolutions adopted by both jurisdictions; or (3) retain the property. Staff said the transfer to the redevelopment commission would be administratively simpler than an open sale. The staff presentation noted the parcel is largely creekbank and may not be developable.

Commissioners discussed uncertainties including whether Aurora has an immediate plan for redevelopment and whether appraisal costs might exceed any likely sale price. One commissioner suggested obtaining appraisal cost estimates from the assessor’s office; another noted appraisals can take time and may be expensive relative to the parcel’s value.

The board directed staff to obtain quotes for appraisals and to identify costs associated with selling the parcel, including whether sale conditions (for example, prohibiting structures) could be included in a contract. A commissioner also noted the board could discuss conditions in executive session for real estate negotiations.

A motion to table the item until staff returned with additional information was made and seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

The item will return to a future agenda after staff provides appraisal quotes and cost estimates for sale or transfer.