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Board OKs land sale to biotech prospect and cost-share for innovation campus sewer; conveys former Tyson site to city for redevelopment
Summary
Supervisors approved a purchase agreement for 25.913 acres at the Food & Beverage Innovation Campus, agreed to a $450,000 county cost share for a sewer lift station, and authorized conveyance of a tax-foreclosed Tyson Foods facility to the City of Jefferson for $1 to enable redevelopment.
Jefferson County supervisors approved multiple measures on Dec. 5 related to economic development at the Food & Beverage Innovation Campus and the disposition of county-owned properties.
The board authorized staff to proceed with a purchase-and-sale agreement from Anego Bio Inc. (identified in materials as the purchaser associated with Project GoldenEye) for 25.913 acres on Innovation Drive for $777,000. The agreement includes a 12-month due-diligence period with up to two consecutive six-month extensions at the county's discretion. Finance staff said proceeds will initially be deposited into the capital projects fund and the finance committee will recommend use of proceeds once received.
Separately, the board approved a cost-share agreement with the City of Jefferson for construction of a sewer lift station serving the innovation campus. Under the agreement, Jefferson County's share is $450,000 plus interest; the county's first payment is $30,000 plus interest due in 2030 and annual payments continue through 2044 unless prepaid. County staff said the lift station is sized to accommodate future purchasers of county property and will support public improvements and infrastructure for the campus.
Finally, the county approved conveying a tax-foreclosed former Tyson Foods facility to the City of Jefferson for a $1 purchase price. The county acquired the property through foreclosure after unpaid taxes dating to 2019 resulted in delinquent taxes, interest and fees totaling about $300,776.58. Staff noted appraisals found redevelopment is the highest and best use, the cost of demolishing existing improvements likely exceeds land value, and the city agreed to waive $43,477.48 of special assessments. The board authorized the county administrator to negotiate final terms with the city.
All three measures were forwarded by the finance committee and approved by voice votes at the full board meeting.
