Port Richey council to obtain estimates for three commercial appraisals on potential property purchase

Port Richey council members agreed by consensus to obtain estimates for the cost of three commercial appraisals for a property being considered for acquisition, including parcels under review for a potential water-plant site.

Madam Clerk led the discussion of old business, and council members noted they had not yet received the three appraisals. Member Christine Sullivan said she would like the appraisals started as soon as possible: “I would love to get the appraisal going as quickly as possible just so that we know that that portion is out of the way and we know what the value is.”

Staff and members discussed appraisal protocol: the clerk explained that when the city purchases a property it typically seeks three appraisals. The council directed staff to obtain estimates of the cost to commission those three appraisals and to bring the estimates back for the council to decide whether to proceed. The transcript records a discussion of likely appraisal fees — phrased as “probably 3 to $5 a pop” — and board members observed that three appraisals could cost several thousand dollars in total.

City Manager Andrew Butterfield said staff would prepare purchase orders for appraisals on properties being considered for the water-plant project and would present cost estimates to the council at the next available meeting. By consensus the council approved moving forward to get estimates for three appraisals; no formal vote tally by name was recorded in the transcript.