Polk County authorizes appraisal, survey and public auction for 0.8-acre government-center parcel

Polk County supervisors voted to authorize staff to proceed on a potential sale of a roughly 0.8-acre parcel behind the Government Center.

County staff presented background: the parcel sits north of the Government Center, has a small flat area adjacent to private lots and a large slope, and is not currently used for county operations. Troy and Courtney Gross had inquired about purchasing the portion next to their property; staff told the board general-government committee forwarded the matter to the full board without recommendation.

After discussion about options — selling directly to adjacent owners, subdividing for multiple buyers, or opening the parcel to a public auction — supervisors moved that the county obtain an appraisal and survey, require the purchaser to pay those costs once the sale completes, notify the three adjacent property owners, and place the parcel on a public auction with a minimum established at market value plus appraisal and survey costs. The motion also allowed language that would require the buyer to obtain a post-sale survey if desired.

The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records three supervisors saying 'No' during the roll call on the motion but does not include a full roll-call tally. Staff noted that private buyers typically arrange and pay for surveys, and that the county can require survey language in auction terms. Supervisors asked staff to ensure transparency by publishing auction notices and notifying adjacent owners directly.

Next steps: staff will order an appraisal and survey as authorized and return with appraisal results and recommended auction language and minimums.