MILTON — Several Milton residents, and at least one council member, are concerned about the city’s attempts to purchase high-priced property downtown.
During next week’s Executive Committee Meeting, the council is expected to discuss whether to purchase property owned by Theresa Messick, Councilman Jimmy Messick’s wife. While a city official has appraised the property at $49,960, Mrs. Messick wants $125,000.
Since last year, under the council’s direction, city staff has worked to obtain property downtown behind the current courthouse location to better accommodate a new courthouse. In February, Santa Rosa County commissioners voted 3-2 to have a new courthouse in the area.
So far, the city has purchased two properties, has two parcels under contract, and is in the process of attaining two more properties, including the Messick property, which would be used for courthouse parking, according a city official.
City Manager Brian Watkins said the city’s reserve funds could be used to buy the property. However, several residents have taken to Facebook to criticize Councilman Messick, his wife and the city, asserting ethics violations. In addition, a few signs have been spotted in the downtown area stating ‘Shame on You!! Jimmy Messick.’
Theresa Messick said she did not want to comment on the issue until after Monday’s meeting.
City Attorney Heather Lindsay said at no time did any of the parties act unethical.
“In my role as City Attorney, I have reviewed each step of the process. There is nothing improper or illegal about the city’s conduct or decisions concerning the purchase of property for the courthouse,” Lindsay said. “As for Councilman Messick, he has been proactive about seeking my advice and has consistently acted according to the ethical rules with regard to abstaining from voting and from discussion when appropriate. Mrs. Messick’s conduct should not be under any scrutiny. She has done nothing improper, unethical or illegal.”
Still, Councilman Alan Lowery, said the sought amount is excessive.
“I can’t vote for that number … that is just my personal belief,” he said.
Meanwhile, nearby property owners have sought more money for their property. The 501(c)3 organization, 90 Works, is asking for $38,000 while the property’s appraised value is $16,600. A neighboring property owner asked $100,000 for property valued at $48,800. Both properties are under contract with the city.
Milton City Planning Director Randy Jorgenson said he can relate with property owners aware of recent events.
“If I did not have the relationship with this community, and I owned that property and I possesses the knowledge that I have today, as it is related to the critical nature to that piece (of property) to this project, you would pay me a quarter of a million dollars for my parcel of land,” he said.
Jorgenson said the potential investment is worthwhile, estimating a new judicial center’s construction would cost around $45 million, and the building would have 260 employees.
He believe s the social media backlash will have a negative impact on downtown Milton’s economy.
“People read that who may be considering investing, and they are going online and they want to know if they should be putting money into downtown Milton, because they heard there is a courthouse coming,” he said. “And that is what they find … that ends that notion.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Downtown Milton property’s proposed price raises debate