SUBJECT
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Approve Right-of-Way Agreement between David Rohrer and Georgia Rohrer, husband and wife and Polk County in conjunction with the Thompson Nursery Road Segment 1 Improvement Project, Parcel 111. ($441,200 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The County has a project to improve and realign Thompson Nursery Road from West Lake Ruby Drive to US Highway 17 consisting of primarily a new alignment for a four-lane corridor. Due to the nature, and associated challenges, of certain portions of the alignment the project design and construction has been separated into four segments. The portion known as Segment 1 runs from US Highway 17 at Winter Lake Road (SR 540) to Rifle Range Road (CR 655). The Board previously adopted a resolution authorizing negotiations and written offers to be made on this project.
Parcel 111 is a whole take fee parcel needed for mainline right-of-way for Segment 1 of the project. The parcel is a rectangular shaped parcel, containing nearly one-half acre, located along the east side of Grove Park Lane and contains a mobile home residence with an addition. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish full compensation for the taking of Parcel Number 111 and the owners, David Rohrer and Georgia Rohrer, through their attorney, rejected the County’s offer. Subsequent negotiations with the owner’s attorney have resulted in a proposed settlement amount of $390,000 for the purchase of the parcel along with statutory attorney’s fees in the amount of $46,200 for a total settlement of $436,200.
The County Attorney’s Office and the Real Estate Services Administrator have reviewed the agreement and recommend approval. The alternative of acquiring this parcel through condemnation litigation would result in substantial cost to the County. Approving the Right-of-Way Agreement, authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase, fees and costs and hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the acquisition will allow the County to close the transaction and take ownership of the parcel for the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the aforementioned Right-of-Way Agreement for Parcel 111 and authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $436,200 for the purchase of the parcel along with attorney’s fees as stated above. Also request Board approve hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the acquisition of the parcel and approve paying closing costs in the estimated amount of $5,000 for a total of $441,200.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in the amount of $441,200 for the purchase of the parcel along with applicable fees and costs in the Impact Fee Northeast Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Administrator
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577