Commissioners form task force to oversee future of Claxton Elementary property amid funding gap

The operations committee voted to form a task force to study options for the former Claxton Elementary property and to provide recommendations, citing concerns about the property's future, potential buyers, and a multi-million-dollar funding gap tied to school construction.

Commissioner Wandel said he wanted county representatives involved in negotiations and to avoid "knee-jerk" sales that could sell the land to the highest bidder without community input. Mayor Frank told the committee the county faces a near $3.9 million debt-service gap related to school construction that could be addressed partly by proceeds from property sales. "If you pull up our debt service book, it's got a big 3.9, almost $4,000,000 funding gap," the mayor said.

Committee members discussed statutory pathways (including a cited statute, 49-2-2203) and possible involvement of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) to hold title with conditions. The mayor said the IDB could hold property and consider highest and best use while accommodating community wishes, but the committee cannot unilaterally disqualify buyers without appropriate agreements.

Commissioner Wandel moved to create a Claxton property task force composed of the mayor, the law director, Commissioner McNabb and Commissioner Wandel (with additional participants as desired). The task force was approved unanimously; members asked to include school board representatives and to explore IDB holding arrangements, zoning protections, and community engagement before any sale.

The task force will return to the committee with a recommended process for property disposition and suggested safeguards to preserve community input and align proceeds with county priorities.