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Commission approves surveys, appraisal and title search for 5.92-acre parcel at Hampton Springs amid public opposition
Summary
Taylor County commissioners agreed to proceed with a survey, appraisal and title search for a roughly 5.9-acre corner parcel at Hampton Springs Park despite numerous residents urging the board to halt any sale of county-owned historic land.
Taylor County commissioners on April 8 authorized staff to proceed with a professional survey, title search and appraisal for an approximately 5.92-acre corner parcel of Hampton Springs Park, a step commissioners said is needed before any sale could be considered.
The request to begin property due diligence drew extensive public comment. Dozens of residents told the board the park and its springs are historical and should not be sold. Speakers urged the commission to postpone any consideration of a sale, to pursue alternative options such as forming a preservation foundation or to develop revenue-generating uses on county-owned land that keep the property public, such as an RV park, kayak launch or eco-tourism amenities. Several speakers asked that any decision be placed on a countywide ballot.
County staff said they would not move forward with a survey, appraisal or title work unless the board authorized the boundary and scope of the parcel to be studied. Staff presented a map depicting the corner parcel in question (roughly 5.92 acres) and told commissioners the parcel is road-fronting and contiguous; staff also noted the county had previously discussed retaining historical portions of the site.
Commissioners discussed options for offering adjoining property owners a right of first refusal in limited circumstances (as in a prior King Beach sale) when parcels are too small to build on. They also discussed whether to set a minimum price before bids and to offer the public an opportunity to bid. The board directed staff to proceed with the survey, appraisal and title work — a necessary first step before further action such as an auction, sale or offering to adjacent owners can occur.
No sale or transfer was approved at the meeting. Commissioners said the due diligence work was intended solely to provide the board with accurate legal descriptions, market value and title information to inform any future decision. Several residents urged delay and additional study; others urged the county to consider conservation or community-driven fundraising to keep the land public.
