Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Property topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House backs measure to give cities first opportunity to buy surplus school land
Summary
Lawmakers approved first substitute House Bill 446 to give cities the first right to purchase surplus school district land in built-out communities and to dedicate sale proceeds to bond reduction or capital facilities; sponsors said amendment ensured fair market returns and public use.
The Utah House passed first substitute House Bill 446 on Feb. 23, a measure that gives cities priority to acquire surplus school district property in densely developed jurisdictions and directs sale proceeds toward bond reduction or capital facilities.
Sponsor Representative Walker said the bill is aimed at keeping former school sites in public use when districts close schools. Under the measure, qualifying parcels must be at least three contiguous acres and the purchase price will be based on the greater of appraised value or the district’s acquisition cost; floor amendments removed a 5% discount so school districts receive the full average appraisal amount.
Representative Frank secured an amendment to specify that proceeds from such sales be applied to bond reduction or capital facilities; Frank said that requirement helps ensure communities see the long-term benefit when school properties are sold. Walker said the changes improved the bill and that the appraisal language and the three-acre threshold protect school districts and allow municipalities a fair opportunity to acquire land for public use.
Members asked for clarifications about the ‘‘first right’’ language and the minimum-parcel threshold (three acres) during floor Q&A; the sponsor confirmed the bill would not force a district to declare property surplus. The bill passed the House 63-0 and will be referred to the Senate.
