By ALICIA FEYERHERM
Tiger Media Network
USD 489 Board of Education approved the sale of 7.23 acres of property located north of the current Hays Middle School.
After last week’s work session, Superintendent Ron Wilson said he investigated the cost to appraise the property and the estimate came back at $1350 from the Simmons Group. Wilson also included selling prices of comparable properties in the board packet.
“Why are we in a rush to get this done?” board member Allen Park said.
Board president Curt Vajnar said the group discussed this at the work session.
“It’s time to move on and make it happen,” Vajnar said. “This is not the first time we’ve discussed this.”
Park said he would like the appraisal completed.
Board member Ruth Ruder noted that the Board does reserve the right to reject any bid. Vajnar also noted that one of the comparable properties was located near where this land will be sold.
“If I look at all four, they’re all within a similar price range,” Vajnar said.
Vajnar also reiterated Ruder’s point, saying that if the bidders were to “lowball us”, the board has the right to reject the bid.
Park said the property includes water rights and a water well.
“How much are those water rights worth?” Park said.
Vajnar said the water well is located east of the football field and will remain on USD 489 property. Wilson said there is no water on the property.
“I see spending that money for the appraiser is a waste of our time and our money,” board member Ken Brooks.
Board member Derek Yarmer said the district could go ahead with the sealed bid, but at the same time, request an appraisal.
“That way when the numbers come in we’ll know better where we’re at,” Yarmer said.
Yarmer asked if the property sale revenue could be put toward the principal of the loan.
“Any property revenue we would hope that it could go back into capital outlay to help offset a lot of our needs that are popping up,” Wilson said.
A motion was made to complete an appraisal before putting the land up for bid. The motion passed 4-2 with Brooks and board member Maegan Zampierri-Lillpopp voting against.
Other items from the meeting included:
- Review of the Kansas State Assessment Report
- Approval of a bid for flooring for the cafeteria, band and vocal rooms at the new Hays Middle School (former Hays High School)
- Approval of a bid for hardware, installation, and configuration of interior door locks for the new middle school
The next Board of Education meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on November 24 in the Rockwell Administration Building.
You must be logged in to post a comment.