Richland County accepts $91,414 bid for 1214 Bechtel Avenue; prosecutor’s office to be reimbursed

The Richland County Board of Commissioners on July 25 accepted the highest and most responsible bid of $91,414 cash for county-owned property at 1214 Bechtel Avenue and approved terms for closing and reimbursement of expenses. Amanda Bridal, civil chief in the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, told the board the purchaser had provided proof of funds and had waived inspection and financing contingencies, and the office aimed for a July 14, 2026, closing date.

Bridal, who presented the bid and a line-by-line accounting of expenses, said the prosecutor’s office has paid filing and advertising fees, mowing and multiple months of utility bills and has proposed placing $500 into escrow with the title agency to cover outstanding gas and electric charges while the sale proceeds to closing. "The recommendation from our office was to accept the highest and most responsible bidder," Bridal said. "We have proof of funds for this bidder, and believe that they have the ability to execute on this contract in the time frame given."

Bridal provided a detailed list of previously paid charges, which she enumerated and summarized as totaling about $15,542.57. Those items included recording fees, advertising to the Shelby Globe, prorated taxes to the treasurer, mowing, and multiple gas and electric payments. She said wastewater obligations would be resolved at closing. "Those will be reimbursed to the prosecutor's office," Bridal said.

Legal counsel and commissioners discussed closing logistics and whether the board could delegate signing authority to one member for convenience. A county attorney advised that the board can delegate authority for a single member to sign closing documents while maintaining that the resolution and formal action remain in the minutes. The board approved the resolution and authorized Commissioner Cliff Mears to sign closing documents on behalf of the board; the resolution will be signed by all three commissioners as part of the record.

The board’s action followed a closed review of bids in executive session; after returning to open session the motion to accept the bid passed on roll call. The prosecutor’s office will submit the proposed addendum to the buyer and coordinate closing details. The transaction will account for prorations and any remaining utility or wastewater charges at closing.