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County-owned Van Buren Washington Street Park property under review as county may vacate adjacent building by year-end
Summary
City staff reported the county now owns the Van Buren Washington Street Park parcel, raised insurance and appraisal questions, and said county staff occupying a nearby building could leave by the end of the year, prompting next steps on title, insurance and appraisals.
City staff told the Columbia City Council that the parcel now called Van Buren Washington Street Park is in county ownership and that city staff are working through insurance, appraisal and occupancy questions tied to the site.
The staff member said the property “is now owned by the county,” and flagged discrepancies in a public listing that showed incorrect parking information. The staff member added that an exemption related to the property “has been taken care of” but that insurance coverage for “the last one” needs confirmation.
The staff member told the council that probation currently occupies a nearby county building and “is actually paying the utility bills for that building.” The staff member said the county has indicated a potential that it “could be out of the building by the end of the year,” but added this is not definitive.
The staff member said the city will need appraisals and further documentation before any acquisition steps. “We’re gonna need to have all the details and information with the appraisals,” the staff member said, adding the city cannot rely on informal market estimates and must follow required processes before committing funds or changing use.
Council members were told the situation is “urgent” but not an emergency, and that staff will continue regular updates as more information becomes available. Next steps identified by staff include confirming insurance coverage, obtaining or reviewing appraisals and clarifying whether the county’s occupancy timeline becomes firm.
No formal action or vote was recorded on the matter during this meeting.
