Board authorizes appraisals on five district parcels to inform levy planning
Summary
Trustees voted to obtain appraisals for five high‑value district parcels to help estimate proceeds that could offset a future plant facilities levy and a potential replacement of Hailey Elementary; staff recommended deferring lower‑value lots and using realtor estimates before committing to full appraisals.
The Blaine County School District board on Dec. 9 authorized appraisals of five district properties after staff said valuing selected parcels could help offset a future plant facility levy tied to a possible replacement of Hailey Elementary.
Director Benyon told trustees the district had identified 11 parcels in its portfolio and that not all would be equally productive if sold. He recommended beginning with a smaller set of higher‑value lots — the two lots adjacent to Wood River Middle School, two lots in the Cary View Estates area, the Wood River High School snow‑storage/overflow lot, and the Ketchum pump‑park parking lot — and using realtor estimates first for lower‑value parcels. "We're looking for further direction," Benyon said, describing a phased approach that would hold off on appraisals for some properties until the board determined which assets it would consider selling.
Trustees discussed appraisal timing and legal requirements. A board member noted appraisals typically must be current for a sale and asked how long an appraisal remains valid; staff said formal appraisals are generally required within a year of sale and that realtor valuations could serve as an interim baseline. Staff also warned that some parcels serve district operations (for example, a snow‑storage/overflow lot that doubles as parking) and that appraisals should reflect both market and functional value.
A motion to proceed with appraisals for the five named parcels carried by voice vote. The motion did not designate a mover or a recorded named second in the transcript. The board did not commit to any sale; the vote authorized only moving forward with appraisal work and the homework needed to present options back to the board.
Next steps staff outlined include issuing appraisal requests for the approved parcels, obtaining realtor portfolio estimates for lower‑value lots, and returning with a recommended disposition strategy and timing before any sale or levy calculations are finalized. The board also discussed funding sources for the appraisals, noting an existing land‑management fund could be drawn down to pay for the work.
