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Martin County declines to purchase former Williamston Middle School, returns property to school board
Summary
The county unanimously voted Jan. 8 to decline a previously negotiated $40,000 purchase of the former Williamston Middle School after failing to develop a usable plan; the property is returned to the Board of Education for disposition under NC law.
At its Jan. 8 meeting the Martin County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to decline purchase of the former Williamston Middle School and return the property to the Martin County Board of Education for disposition.
The Board discussed the statutory process under North Carolina General Statute §115C‑518, which requires a board of education to first offer surplus property to the county for a negotiated price. Superintendent Chris Mansfield had asked the county to set a closing date by Oct. 31, 2019; when no firm county plan materialized, the school board requested the county release the property for public auction.
County staff and commissioners said they had explored possible community uses and reached out to the Town of Williamston and other local partners but did not identify a sustainable plan to own and maintain the building. Commissioner Elmo “Butch” Lilley said the county made a genuine effort to find community uses; Chairman Tommy Bowen added the county had no present need to take on maintenance of the facility. Commissioner Ronnie Smith moved to decline purchase; Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. seconded and the motion passed 5‑0.
With the motion the property will revert to the Board of Education for the school board to proceed with its requested disposition, including potential public auction as allowed by statute.
