Commission discusses $1 million contingent offer on commercial building amid appraisal concerns

Commissioners discussed a $1,000,000 contingent offer the county had made to purchase a commercial building and questioned the appraisal process used to value the property.

Speaker 7 and staff said the commission had earlier approved tendering a $1,000,000 offer contingent on inspection and appraisal, but that the owner had not yet responded. Speaker 11 challenged the appraisal, saying the appraiser, 'Mr. Miller is a residential appraiser. He's not commercially certified,' and contended the appraisal was below market for a commercial property. "I actually sent the email to you all so you would get more of it," Speaker 11 said, urging the commission to obtain a commercial appraisal if the owners indicate willingness to sell.

Speaker 12 and other commissioners questioned why a residential appraisal was used; staff said the maintenance supervisor arranged the appraisal and that a commercial appraiser may not have been available in time when the offer had to be made. Commissioner discussion noted the appraisal is a tool to inform decisions and that the commission could justify paying above an appraisal so long as they can document the rationale for public funds.

Speaker 2 raised concerns from the property inspection about NFPA and NEC safety code violations and urged that outstanding violations be identified and either corrected or accounted for in negotiations. The matter was placed on the next month's agenda to allow time to hear back from the property owners and to obtain further appraisals and inspections if appropriate.