DeKalb County commission keeps leased fire hall, declines purchase after price jump

The DeKalb County Commission voted to continue a lease and not purchase a rural fire hall property after commissioners said the seller raised the asking price and the acreage is smaller than previously presented.

Commissioner Larry Green moved that the county "continue with the lease and not purchase the property at this time." Glenn Merriman seconded the motion, and the chair called for the question; with no opposition the motion passed by acclamation.

Commissioners recounted that the seller had previously offered roughly $33,000 but later sought $60,000. Several commissioners said the property’s actual acreage is less than what had been used to justify an earlier purchase decision; one participant said the parcel including a house is "less than 2 acres," and others said the lot for the convenience center and fire hall is under two acres and possibly under one.

Several commissioners raised operational concerns. The chair (unnamed) said the county needs the fire station in place "for our ISO rating," and speakers emphasized the potential for higher insurance costs for residents if the county loses the station or has to relocate service. Commissioners debated options: continue the lease while asking the owners to reduce the price, or seek alternative property that could require new construction.

The commission directed staff to continue the lease arrangement and explore options, including asking the owners to reconsider price given corrected acreage information, and to report back should the property owner make a new offer.

The vote was taken by acclamation; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.