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Board approves upset-bid sale process for two county parcels after debate over valuation and process
Summary
After discussion about appraisals, easements and past sales, the Orange County Board approved moving two parcels to an upset-bid sale process (vote 5–2) and later approved using social media to advertise the upset-bid opportunities (vote 6–1).
The Orange County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 3 approved sending two county-owned parcels to the statutory upset-bid sale process after a discussion about valuation, sale procedures and public notice.
Asset Management Services Director Alan Dorman reviewed recent county land sales and described a February 2022 sale of a small public building site that drew multiple bidders and sold for $400,111, well above the appraisal. He told commissioners that many small parcels are primarily of value to adjacent owners.
Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott said she is not opposed to selling property but expressed concern about relying on a single internal appraisal and a single negotiated offer. County Attorney John Roberts explained the statutory methods available for county property disposals—advertised sealed bids, negotiated offer with upset bid process, public auction, exchange, or private sale to a nonprofit for public purpose—and noted signage or targeted outreach could accompany an upset-bid process.
The Board approved initiating the negotiated offer, advertisement and upset-bid process for PIN#9834289281 (near Mebane) and PIN#9865614458 (Hillsborough) on a 5–2 vote (Ayes: McKee, Greene, Hamilton, Fowler, Bedford; Nays: Carter, Portie‑Ascott). Commissioners asked staff to explore broader advertising options and appraisals for parcels; staff said appraisal quotes were available and could be added to buyer fees.
Separately, Commissioner Bedford moved and the board approved using social media to advertise the upset-bid opportunities (vote 6–1). The board and staff noted constraints on buildability for one parcel (landlocked, requiring an easement) and another parcel that includes a transmission-tower right-of-way, which may limit future use. The upset-bid process requires statutory notice periods and gives adjacent owners an opportunity to outbid negotiated offers.
Next steps: Asset Management Services will proceed with the statutorily required notice and upset-bid process, seek appraisals where appropriate, and return any final sale for board approval per state law.
