Fair board proposes auction or sale of Water Street property; asks court to direct proceeds to fair board

Brian Murray told the court the Water Street building across from Key Baptist Church was bought in 2021 using American Rescue Plan Act funds intended to replace lost travel and tourism revenue. The fair board initially planned the building as headquarters, but with the fair scheduled to move to a new fairgrounds in 2027 the board no longer needs the structure.

"On behalf of the fair board, I would like to propose that we drop back and punt just a little bit and make a lateral movement," Murray said, urging the court to consider two options: negotiate a sale with the Chesapeake Public Library or auction the property to the public with a fiscal-court–set reserve.

Murray said the county paid $60,000 for the building and that the most recent appraisal he had seen was $40,000. He warned that preparing the property for sale—inspections, appraisal, ADA work—would require time and money. The fair board argued that a direct sale to the library could provide the best community use; alternatively, an auction with a realistic reserve would clear the property more quickly.

Fair board members noted they raised $58,000 in sponsorships last year but that the fair’s total costs were higher; they asked that, if sold, proceeds be directed to the Jackson County Fair Board (a registered 501(c)(3)) so the board could reinvest revenue in programming and entertainment.

Court members discussed reserve pricing and auction logistics and moved to begin the auction process with staff to return with specifics at the next meeting. The transcript shows motions to start the auction process and to consult an auctioneer; the record does not contain a completed sale or final reserve price.