Surry County accepts $5,000 bid for surplus Ward—s Gap parcel

The Surry County Board of Commissioners on April 7 approved the sale of a surplus parcel on Ward—s Gap Road to adjoining landowner Dan Pratt for $5,000, the highest bid received after the county—s upset-bid process.

Finance officer Laura Neely told the board the county received an initial written offer of $5,000 on Jan. 15 and that after an upset-bid notice and a 10-day deadline the highest offer remained $5,000. Neely noted the parcel—s assessed value is $9,100.

Board action A commissioner moved to accept the $5,000 offer and the motion passed by voice vote; a second was recorded and no opposing votes were announced in the public record.

Why it matters The board followed the county—s surplus sale and upset-bid procedures, allowing adjoining property owners to submit competing offers during the publicized upset-bid period. The record shows no additional bids were filed by the deadline.

What the board did not specify The public packet and discussion did not specify closing dates, deed restrictions, or whether the county will retain any retained easements or rights of way. Neely stated there is no official right-of-way into the parcel and indicated Pratt owns surrounding land, but the meeting record did not include survey or title details.

Next steps The board approved the sale; staff were directed to process the sale paperwork consistent with county policy (clerical direction in open meeting). The transcript does not show any additional conditions or a closing date.