Commission authorizes auction of Hampshire Center, sets $11.7M reserve
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Summary
After legal counsel reviewed West Virginia Code guidance for property sales, the commission authorized the president to sell the Hampshire Center at public auction to the highest bidder above $11,700,000 and directed work with counsel to complete sale procedures; commissioners debated online auction fees vs. local advertising before approving the motion.
Kenneth Barton, special counsel to the commission, briefed commissioners on state law governing sales by county commissions and advised that the sale must be conducted at public auction under West Virginia Code §7‑3‑3. Barton described two auction options—traditional local auction under the president’s statutory authority or an online auction via a retained auctioneer with a buyer’s premium—and said each has tradeoffs.
Commissioner Mance urged caution on online auction buyer‑premiums, arguing an online buyer’s premium could reduce net proceeds, and recommended robust advertising if the commission proceeds with a traditional county auction. Mance moved to authorize the president to sell the Hampshire Center at public auction to the highest bidder in excess of $11,700,000 and to work with counsel on terms; the motion passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: Authorizing the sale begins the formal process to transfer a significant county asset and may place the property on the private tax rolls; commissioners sought clarity on timing and whether sale proceeds affect county levies.
Next steps: The president will work with counsel to determine auction timing and method; the commission may designate a point person (Commissioner Mance volunteered) to coordinate with counsel on sale logistics and advertising.