Board approves DOT right‑of‑way deed for Highway 9 widening near Polk Central Elementary, 6–0

The Polk County School Board voted to approve a deed conveying a permanent right‑of‑way to the state Department of Transportation for a Highway 9 widening and drainage project that affects Polk Central Elementary.

Doctor Schleicher told the board the DOT plans grading and drainage work on the parcel and is asking for a permanent easement to access and maintain a drainage basin that carries runoff under Highway 9. He said the traveling roadway would be widened away from the school and that the DOT sought permanent access to maintain the culvert and drainage features.

Schleicher also summarized negotiations over compensation. "We did enter into negotiations with DOT to get the asking price up from what the original value to all of this had at $35,000 or thereabouts, up to $80,000 was the final agreed upon price," he said, reporting that staff asked if DOT would offer any further flexibility but were told $80,000 was final.

Board legal counsel explained the alternatives if the board declined the offer. "If you did not take the 80,000 and sign the deed, then they would proceed with their condemnation process," counsel said, describing a complaint, an answer period and possible informal arbitration before the formal condemnation process.

The board considered the tradeoffs of accepting compensation versus pursuing condemnation and ultimately voted to approve the deed. Chair called the question, a motion and second were made, and "Motion carries 6 0," the chair said.

Board members asked staff to continue trying to preserve trees and to coordinate timelines for any utility work near septic or drainage lines. The vote finalizes the board's acceptance of the DOT's right‑of‑way deed and moves next steps to closing and schedule coordination with the DOT.

Vote tally: 6 in favor, 0 opposed.