During the Jan. 6 Anson County commissioners meeting, the county manager briefed the board on property and environmental matters and asked for direction on next steps.

The manager said a small county parcel at 605 McLaren was successfully sold via GovDeals and the sale should close in the coming weeks. He asked how the board wishes to proceed on an old hospital parcel that includes the board of elections office and an overflow parking lot; he recommended surveying and considering deed restrictions or other mechanisms before any sale. "If you consider parting ways with it, you will have to have us to do a survey so that we can split that parcel off," he said.

Staff and the county attorney discussed sale options including public auction, GovDeals, sealed bids or public-private partnership arrangements where the county might retain ownership. Commissioners asked staff to return with proposals and survey options.

On environmental issues, staff reported multiple sites of concern: illegal dumping on Highway 109 and at least four closed landfill sites being investigated for PFAS contamination. The county has notified the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the county clerk has prepared notices of violation; staff said there may be state funding to address cleanup costs but cautioned about contingent liabilities if responsible parties declare bankruptcy.

Assistant staff also updated the board that the company awarded a special use permit for a quarry in Lisle is moving forward with perk testing for septic and has obtained state ingress/egress permits; no firm opening date was provided.

Commissioners asked staff to continue coordination with DEQ, pursue survey proposals for the old hospital parcel and return with procurement or legal mechanisms appropriate to protect Uptown Wadesboro interests if the board decides to sell.