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Council discusses wastewater plant sale via CEDC; questions remain over buyer interest and timing
Summary
Council and staff outlined the planned sale of the borough's wastewater treatment plant through the Columbia Economic Development intermediary, explained the timing of payment at buyer closing, and reported interest from a private operator (JG Environmental) but no binding option or guaranteed purchase.
At the March 3 workshop, Columbia Borough officials reiterated that the planned wastewater treatment plant sale will be handled through a transaction with the Columbia Economic Development intermediary (referred to in discussion as CEDC). Staff explained the mechanics: the borough would first transfer property to the EDC and be paid at the buyer's closing, after which the EDC would turn around and sell to an end buyer.
During public comment resident Sharon asked plainly whether the borough would receive the roughly "$500 and some thousand" at closing; council/staff clarified that the borough receives its payment at the closing tied to the sale handled by the CEDC. Multiple participants emphasized that the payment and transfer are separate steps and that the title/settlement company process typically coordinates timing.
Council discussed whether JG Environmental — which has shown interest and signed a lease to occupy part of the property — effectively has a right to purchase both adjacent parcels. Staff said there is no contractual option or right-of-first-refusal in place granting JG Environmental the automatic right to buy the highway-shed parcel; if the same buyer wants both parcels the EDC may process that sale, but no sale of the second parcel has been finalized. Councilmembers also noted potential market-timing issues and the possibility that any price set today could change if the sale occurs a year or longer in the future.
Separately, council discussed deed separation between the sewer plant and adjacent highway sheds (staff said the parcels are separate deeds) and the potential implications for public works operations and the borough's decision whether to retain the highway property.
Council gave staff direction to continue working with the EDC, to clarify lease terms and market approach for the second parcel, and to report back with contract timelines and any formal offers before finalizing sale advertising.
