SUBJECT
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Approve Agreement for Sale and Purchase between R.F. Development Group Co., Inc. and Polk County in conjunction with the Environmental Lands Program, CLASAC Project EL-100-23. ($5,245,000 total expense)
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DESCRIPTION
In February 2023 the Board adopted Resolution No. 2023-009 which created the Polk County Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (“CLASAC”). The creation of CLASAC was in response to a bond referendum approved by voters in November 2022 to finance capital projects related to the acquisition, preservation, protection, management, operation and restoration of environmental lands, water resources and important fish and wildlife habitat. CLASAC reviews and evaluates properties nominated by property owners and provides a recommendation to the Board as to whether or not staff should pursue the acquisition of the properties for the program.
One such nomination was made by R.F. Development Group Co., Inc. for large tracts of land located along, or near, Friedlander Road/Golfview-Cutoff Road to the southeast of Lake Wales. The properties are comprised of Parcel ID Numbers 283016-000000-011000 and 283009-000000-041000 and contain a total of approximately 649-acres. The properties were evaluated by CLASAC which recommended approval and in November 2023 the Board approved staff to pursue the acquisition of the properties. Additionally, these properties lie adjacent to a closed county landfill known as the Southeast Landfill and the county will use a small portion adjacent the common boundary for future monitoring and mitigation activities associated with the landfill. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish a value for the property and a value of $5,190,000 was established. The owner of the property has agreed to accept the County’s offer and has executed an Agreement for Sale and Purchase for the purchase of the properties.
The County Attorney’s Office and the Real Estate Services Director have reviewed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase and recommend approval. Approving the Agreement for Sale and Purchase, authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase, and hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transactions will allow the County to take ownership of the properties for the program. This expense was not expected during the FY24/25 budget process and upon Board approval the CIP will be amended administratively to cover the Solid Waste portion.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the above-mentioned Agreement for Sale and Purchase and authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $5,190,000 for the purchase. Also request Board approve hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction and approve paying closing costs in the estimated amount of $55,000 for a total amount of $5,245,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Environmental Lands Acquisition Fund in the amount of $4,645,000 and in the Solid Waste Operations Fund in the amount of $600,000.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577