Danville council authorizes appraisals on four properties for possible sale or purchase

Danville Town council on an evening vote authorized staff to obtain paid appraisals for four properties as the town explores selling some parcels and purchasing land for future facilities, including potential relocation of a fire station and public restrooms.

Chief Duncan (identified in meeting discussion as the department lead on the project) told council the staff wants appraisals for 302 West Main, 252 South Tennessee Street and 136 West Marion Street and a parcel identified as the prime location for a future Station 192. He said the town previously obtained one parcel by tax deed after a long period of abandonment and wants to return it to the tax rolls.

The request asked the council to authorize paid appraisals so legal counsel or an auction firm can handle any ensuing sale. Chief Duncan explained options for disposal — sealed bids or open auction — and noted the town will typically perform two appraisals before sale. "We could have legal counsel do the auction, and it'd be no different than what Lawson does," staff said during the discussion.

Councilors asked procedural questions about auction method, timing and prior approvals. One councilor asked if the proposal had been reviewed by the appropriate fire authority for the station relocation; Chief Duncan said deployment planning had been discussed with that body. After discussion, Councilman Irby moved to authorize the account manager and buyer chief to proceed with the appraisals and potential purchases; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote recorded as unanimous.

The council did not adopt any sale or purchase agreements at the meeting; it authorized appraisals and directed staff to return with appraisal reports and recommended next steps.

Next steps: staff will obtain the appraisals and report back to the council with price estimates and proposed disposition options.