By: Sheila Crowley
Fulda Free Press Staffwriter
Several residents appeared before the board on Tuesday in the open forum in regards to the potential price they offered for parcel land which will house the highway department.
Mike Ackerman asked if the board had looked at other pieces of land – perhaps in other communities. He feels the amount offered was way too much. He felt there was too much focus on these particular parcels. According to the board, these were chosen partially due to their ability to provide sewer and water for the highway department. Ackerman questioned whether the numbers were done and if another parcel might make more sense instead of paying the high price these parcels are asking.
Recently the board made an offer on a parcel located just west of the current highway department. The purchase agreement offered was for $500,000 for approximately 29 acres of land.
The board assured those gathered there had been extensive information gathered in determining what is the best option for the proposed highway department expansion. They also informed everyone that even though an offer had been made, they have not purchased any land and are still open to options.
Randy Groves, highway department supervisor joined the conversation. He said some of the determining factor involving the two parcels revolved around the plow route. “A lot of thought and study has went into this process and I feel the two we have sought out are our best option.” He said there are over 726 miles in Murray County and yes, there is other land, however, with gas and other supplies needed by the department, it was felt these spaces best fit the situation. “A lot study, a lot of thought process, and looking has been done over the last several months, commented Groves. He went on to explain the present location doesn’t allow enough room for expansion. “The equipment has gotten bigger and this is something that has been talked about for the past 13 years.”
Jim Hoekman asked the board if there was protocol for buying land thinking there was going to be a building built on it down the road. He questioned spending $500,000-$700,000 on land before the building was even built. “Shouldn’t there be a public vote or meeting,” he said.
To read the rest of this article – pick up a copy of this weeks Fulda Free Press or subscribe to our e-edition at http://eedition.fuldafreepress.net/sub/account_login.a
