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Benton County commissioners approve mayor’s request to pursue purchase of former First Bank building after narrow vote
Summary
On Aug. 19, 2024, the Benton County Commission voted 10–6 to allow the county mayor to enter a contract to buy the former First Bank building in Camden for $480,000 with seller financing; commissioners approved the measure after amendments removed the previously proposed $120,000 down payment and added an inspection contingency.
The Benton County Commission on Aug. 19 voted 10–6 to permit County Mayor Mark Ward to enter into a contract to purchase the former First Bank branch at 21 N. Forrest Avenue in Camden for $480,000 with seller financing structured as four equal annual payments.
The commission initially considered a version of the resolution that included an appropriation of $120,000 for a down payment. Budget committee amendments deleted the appropriation and replaced the purchase terms with seller financing and a requirement that “no contract shall be executed until the building has been inspected and approved by state and local codes,” language adopted before the final vote.
Mayor Mark Ward said the acquisition would help address county office‑space needs and allow the county to “better and more efficiently serve the citizens of Benton County,” according to the resolution text presented at the meeting. Chairman Rosanne K. Ward raised the related topic of the Old Electric Company building and asked commissioners to consider the comparative costs of purchasing the First Bank property versus renovating existing county space.
Opponents of the amended purchase language cited concerns about committing the county to a real‑estate transaction without a funded down payment and the long‑term cost implications of the financing plan. The six commissioners voting No were Debbie Bain, Miller, Rocky Presson, Jerry Price, Fowler and Murphy. Two commissioners were absent.
Commissioner Keith Arnold moved the final, amended resolution onto the floor and Commissioner Douglas seconded the motion. The amended resolution passed on a roll call vote of 10 Ayes, 6 No, and 2 Absent.
Because the approved resolution authorizes the mayor to enter a contract only after required inspections and code approvals, the next procedural step is completion of those inspections and any resulting repairs or conditions identified by building and code authorities. The commission recessed shortly after the vote and continued other business later in the meeting.
