Caldwell County approves purchase of Lower Cedar Valley property for industrial development

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase 15.562 surveyed acres on Lower Cedar Valley Road for economic development, approving a staff request to use county sales tax reinvestment funds to acquire the site.

Economic Development Director Ashley Bollick told the board the negotiated purchase price for the property is $525,000 and that the county is requesting $545,000 to cover acquisition, due diligence (including soil compaction testing and environmental work), and projected closing costs. "This request is for the purpose of continuing product development in Caldwell County," Bollick said, describing the county's effort to build and market industrial-ready property to attract manufacturing and other employers.

Bollick said the current request is reduced from an earlier request of $552,000 after staff completed additional due diligence. She told the board the parcel is located in the Town of Sawmills and that the county envisions developing the site for an industrial park or buildings to support job creation.

Commissioner Starnes moved to approve the acquisition; the board adopted the motion by voice vote and the motion carried unanimously. No members of the public signed up to speak during the public hearing on the purchase, and the hearing was closed before the vote.

Why it matters: county staff said product development and having available industrial buildings or sites are decisive factors for recruiting manufacturing projects; Bollick cited recent state data showing many prospect projects prefer existing buildings or ready sites. The county will use sales tax reinvestment funds established by agreement with municipalities for economic development activity.

Next steps: staff will proceed with closing and the due-diligence steps described to complete the acquisition.