Raeford council declares portion of Acorn Lane well site surplus, directs sale process

The City Council voted Aug. 19 to declare the portion of the Turnpike well site on Acorn Lane that lies behind a neighbor’s property surplus and directed the city manager to advertise it for sale and proceed with upset‑bid publication as required.

City Manager Dennis Baxley told the council the city acquired the well in the early 1990s and "may not have ever had the well 'on‑line.'" He recommended permanently closing the wellhead and said the city would need to relocate or close the inlet before any sale. Baxley provided cost estimates: about $8,000–$10,000 to permanently close the well and roughly $150,000 to install a new well. He said the portion queried by the inquiring resident, Mr. Lee, had a determined value of about $5,000 based on square footage and tax value and noted the area behind Mr. Lee’s house is approximately 12,000 square feet.

Council members discussed liability and timing for closure. Councilman Charles Allen asked whether there would be lingering liability if the site remained unused; Baxley replied the well should be permanently closed to remove potential liability. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Willis suggested seeking an offer or property exchange that might cover closure costs.

Councilman Allen moved to declare the portion behind Mr. Lee surplus and direct the City Manager to advertise the property for bids and proceed with publication for upset bids as needed; Councilwoman Mary Neil King seconded. The motion carried.

Baxley and the council did not specify a sale price or timetable beyond directing the advertisement process; the city must still close the well at some point prior to or following disposition.