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Hamilton County to consider buying 8.5 acres in Appisson for park space at $1.25 million
Summary
The county mayor presented Resolution 826-7 to buy approximately 8.5 acres in Appisson from Appisson Baptist Church for $1,250,000 to create park and ball fields. Staff said funding would likely use remaining 2024 bond proceeds and current-year capital funds; the commission will consider the purchase next week.
The clerk read a resolution authorizing the county mayor to sign a purchase agreement to buy about 8.5 acres and a 1.72-acre license for future parking from Appisson Baptist Church for $1,250,000 plus closing costs.
The mayor said the parcel sits in a fast-growing part of Appisson and is well suited for youth sports and public park space. He urged prompt action, saying the county would regret missing the opportunity and that the property could otherwise be developed into residential lots.
The mayor said the county may relist and sell the adjacent parsonage to recoup some acquisition costs, estimating the parsonage27s value at more than $400,000. Staff outlined anticipated funding sources: roughly $610,000 remaining from 2024 bond proceeds earmarked for recreation projects and about $910,000 in current-year capital outlay, for approximately $1.52 million available between those two pots.
Commissioners asked whether fund balance was considered and asked for a list of parks and recreation capital projects in the budget document; staff said fund balance remains an option but that the recommendation was to avoid using it if possible. Several commissioners voiced support for purchasing the property, and the chairman said the commission would take the matter up for formal action next week.
Next steps: staff will provide budget detail and the commission will consider Resolution 826-7 at a subsequent meeting.
