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Pulaski County council approves resolution to pursue purchase of Knights of Columbus building, contingent on appraisal
Summary
Council voted to approve a resolution allowing the county to move forward with a purchase agreement for the Knights of Columbus event center, but members said the acquisition will depend on appraisal, inspection and a rapid cost estimate; one member registered opposition on the voice vote.
The Pulaski County Council voted to pass a resolution authorizing the county to pursue purchase of the Knights of Columbus building, a roughly 10,000-square-foot venue listed at $500,000, with the transaction conditioned on satisfactory appraisal and inspection results.
Brad, a council member who inspected the property, said the listing equates to about "$50 a square foot" and described parts of the building as event-ready while noting additions and maintenance needs. He told colleagues the venue is a busy local rental that could continue generating revenue if retained as an event center.
Council members raised questions about long-term upkeep, security where offices might be colocated, and the cost of renovations if the county repurposes space for offices. One member urged the formation of a joint committee of commissioners and council members to obtain quick estimates on renovation costs before finalizing the purchase.
The purchase agreement signed by the county commissioners was described as contingent on an appraisal, inspection and passage of a resolution by the fiscal body. The council’s passed resolution would allow the commissioners to proceed if those conditions are met. A voice vote carried the motion; a single vocal opposition was recorded during roll call.
The council also asked staff to convene interested commissioners and council members and to provide a timeline for appraisal, inspection and estimated renovation costs. Teresa, a staff member, was asked to notify commissioners and council members about committee formation and next steps.
Next steps: the county will complete appraisals and inspections and return with cost estimates and committee recommendations before finalizing the purchase.
