Commission buys 8.5 acres in Appison for park after amendment to return parsonage sale proceeds to fund balance

The commission voted to authorize the county mayor to execute a purchase agreement to acquire roughly 8.5 acres in Appison from Appison Baptist Church for $1,250,000 for future park use. County property management staff said the sellers had placed the parsonage and the land together and the county elected to offer $1,250,000 after a competing offer emerged; the mayor’s office explained that if the county sells the parsonage the proceeds would be returned to the county rather than directly reducing debt.

During debate, commissioners pressed staff on negotiations, the presence of a parsonage on the parcel, funding sources and the urgency to act because a backup offer existed. Staff said funding would be split: $200,000 from general fund balance, $426,000 from 2024 bond proceeds earmarked for recreation projects and the remainder from recreation capital outlay for FY2027. Commissioner Highlander moved — and Commissioner Sharp seconded — an amendment that requires any proceeds from the sale of the parsonage to be placed into the county fund balance; the amendment passed by roll call and the main resolution passed as amended.