Commissioners approve $140,000 edit-plan amendment for blight removal and discuss sale or lease of old highway barn

Commissioners approved an amendment to the county edit plan that allocates $140,000 for removal of blighted properties and passed a blight declaratory resolution (Resolution 2025-16) during their Sept. 15 meeting.

Commissioner Missy raised renewed interest from private parties in leasing or buying the county’s old highway garage, a deteriorating structure near the newer county highway facility. She said multiple businesses had inquired about acquiring the site “as-is” and suggested selling without county repairs, while noting potential environmental concerns such as old gas tanks under the building. Staff advised that sales or leases of county property must follow public bidding processes. The county’s surveyor was asked to confirm zoning (which staff later said is Ag Limited) and to list allowable uses.

The board approved the edit-plan amendment and the blight resolution by voice votes and directed staff to gather zoning details, cost estimates and legal requirements to pursue a bid or lease process if commissioners decide to proceed.

Why it matters: allocating funds to remove blighted properties is intended to reduce safety risks and prepare parcels for redevelopment. The old highway barn conversation implicates environmental due diligence considerations and procurement rules that can affect redevelopment timing.

What happens next: staff will confirm zoning, gather quotes and consult the county attorney on sale/lease procedures and potential brownfield designations; the board may place the property up for bid or develop leasing terms in a future meeting.

Quote: "I think we can put some restrictions on that, and we'd be done with it," Commissioner Missy said about selling the property "as-is."