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Pickens County approves purchase of two parcels near Roper Park for planned expansion
Summary
The Pickens County Board approved purchase of two parcels totaling about 57 acres near Roper Park to expand parking and recreational space; staff listed per‑parcel prices but the transcript contains inconsistent combined totals, which the county will finalize at closing.
Pickens County commissioners voted to approve contracts to buy two parcels adjacent to Roper Park to expand parking and recreation space.
The board authorized the county chairman to sign closing documents after a motion to purchase both parcels. Unidentified Speaker 1 said staff negotiated two separate transactions with property owner Michael Hobby: a 20.9‑acre tract and a 36.67‑acre tract. The transcript lists per‑parcel prices of $500,000 and $622,615. During the meeting the board moved to approve a combined purchase amount and authorization for the chairman to sign; the motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: County officials said acquiring the properties would allow the county to nearly triple the park’s footprint, add walking trails and more ball fields, and ensure replacement field space before undertaking additional park development such as a new pool. Unidentified Speaker 1 said the first parcel would close before the end of 2024 and the second in early 2025.
The county did not provide a single, consistent final combined total in the meeting transcript; staff listed two per‑parcel prices ($500,000 and $622,615) and later requested board approval for a combined figure described in the meeting as $1,120,650. The county indicated funds are available in the current SPLOST account and that the purchases would be executed in two transactions.
Next steps: Staff will complete closings as scheduled and finalize the contract totals and closing schedules. The board did not discuss financing contingencies during the public motion; county staff indicated the money is in the SPLOST account.
