SUBJECT
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Approve Land Purchase Agreement between Ida Patricia Holley and Polk County for the purchase of property in conjunction with a project to consolidate Lift Stations 9 and 10. ($328,500 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The County owns and operates two sanitary sewer lift stations identified as Lift Station 9 and Lift Station 10 located in an established residential community in the Christina Heights Subdivision to the north of CR 540A which are part of the Southwest Regional Wastewater Services Area. The lift stations, which are approximately 430-feet apart, are in need of upgrading and replacement; however, upgrading them in their current locations is not feasible as they are located within County road rights-of-way adjacent to the roadways. Polk County Utilities has plans to consolidate the two lift stations into one larger lift station and has identified an area which will accommodate the gravity flow requirements of the existing service lines to the lift station. A search of the area has revealed that there are no suitable sites which could be utilized without the removal of a residence. The property identified as best suitable for the proposed lift station is located at the northeast corner of Jonjay Way and Oak Trail and is improved with a single-family residence. The County contacted the owner of the property, Ida Patricia Holley, who stated that the property was currently not on the market for sale but that she would entertain an offer. Negotiations with the owner have resulted in a proposed price of $325,000 for the purchase of the property and the owner has executed a Land Purchase Agreement for the sale of the property.
The County Attorney’s Office and the Real Estate Services Director have reviewed the Agreement and recommend approval. Due to the property needs associated with this project the alternative of acquiring this parcel through condemnation litigation would result in substantial cost to the County. Accepting the Land Purchase Agreement, authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase and associated closing costs, and hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction will allow the County to take ownership of the parcel for the lift station improvement project.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the above-mentioned Land Purchase Agreement and authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $325,000 for the purchase. Also request Board approve hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction and approve paying estimated closing costs in the amount of $3,500 for a total amount of $328,500.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available for the purchase of the above mentioned parcel along with applicable closing costs in the Utilities Operating Fund - R&R Wastewater Projects.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577