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Treasurer and residents question proposed $950,000 satellite office purchase
Summary
A public commenter and several council members criticized a staff recommendation to buy a building on Highway 17 for a southern satellite office, saying the county has not sufficiently vetted upfit, maintenance and alternative rental options and flagged the $950,000 asking price and likely additional costs.
During public comment, Michael Skinner, identified in the transcript as Treasurer Skinner, warned the council that the proposed satellite office purchase on Highway 17 appeared to commit nearly $950,000 in taxpayer funds without full departmental input and without a complete cost comparison to a rental strategy.
"The cost of this real estate deal is listed at $950,000," Skinner said, adding that upfit costs and long-term maintenance had not been fully considered. He urged the council to evaluate a five-year rental proposal that staff previously proposed as a lower-cost option and to ensure departments most affected are consulted.
County staff later told council they are in a 90‑day due‑diligence period on the property and are performing surveys, environmental assessments, pest and structural inspections, and title work. Council approved moving the purchase agreement forward to first reading while several council members said they want more departmental input on long-term operational costs before later readings and closing.
