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Residents press ethics questions over single realtor and transparency; realtor defends appraisals
Summary
Multiple residents questioned using the same realtor for buyer and seller in the land transaction; the realtor said independent commercial appraisals found the county is paying below appraised value and defended the process and fees.
Several members of the public pressed county officials about whether it was appropriate for the same realtor to represent both the county and the sellers for the 18‑acre parcel. A resident said the arrangement felt like "having the same divorce attorney" and asked the county to use an independent agent.
Joel Keith, the realtor who worked the listing, told the meeting he obtained independent appraisals from reputable firms and said those appraisals supported the transaction price. "Those independent appraisals are very, very reputable," he said, and detailed that the average appraisal figure exceeded the contracted per‑acre price, saying the county would obtain instant equity in the land under those appraisals.
Public commenters asked for an independent review or county representation to avoid the appearance of a conflict. The county attorney and other officials noted Indiana law permits dual representation in real‑estate transactions when disclosed, and one council member announced a filed conflict‑of‑interest disclosure and intended to abstain from the land vote to avoid any appearance issues.
The ethics questions did not prevent the council from adopting the resolution, but the exchange highlighted continuing public skepticism and requests for clearer independent vetting in future close‑contact transactions.
