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Allegany County approves purchase of Crossroads building and nearby parking lot
Summary
Legislators approved buying the Crossroads property and a parking lot by the old Belmont School for $915,132 and moved contingency funds to cover the purchase; board members said the buy will pay for itself compared with current lease costs.
Allegany County legislators voted to buy the Crossroads building and an adjacent parking lot near the old Belmont School for $915,132, a motion recorded as moved by Demick and seconded by Root. The purchase was approved following discussion about long-term cost savings compared with current leasing arrangements.
Supporters argued the county’s long-term space needs and fiscal prudence justified the purchase. "Our current lease is approximately or is a $174,000 a year," said Speaker 5 during debate, adding that the county could pay off the purchase in under six years despite anticipated maintenance costs. Speaker 4 said they "plan to vote yes" and had been "assured that all the due diligence and best value for our taxpayers' dollars" had been done.
Board members described two buildings on the Crossroads site: the county fully occupies one and occupies about 80% of the other, where the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and several nonprofits also maintain space. Speaker 7 said the negotiated lease agreement provides the IDA three years of free rent at the start of their term. Speaker 5 noted several current tenants would likely continue leasing space from the county under the new ownership.
After the purchase vote, the legislature approved a related budget adjustment moving contingency funds to the purchase account so the acquisition could be completed. The budget-motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.
The county did not specify in the meeting who will manage ongoing maintenance costs or a detailed timeline for renovations; staff names (Tim and Allison) were referenced as having worked on lease specifics. The vote on the purchase and the subsequent budget adjustment were recorded during the regular session.
