MILTON — Since the referendum on sales tax to fund a new courthouse did not pass during the primary election, city council members opted not to pursue purchase agreements for two downtown property parcels.
However, they will uphold agreements for two other downtown properties.
City Manager Brian Watkins suggested that the council let two purchase agreements expire. Theresa Messick, wife of Councilman Jimmy Messick, owns one of those properties. Councilman Messick abstained from voting and discussing the agenda item during the meeting.
City staffers also suggested letting an agreement with Northwest Florida Comprehensive Services for Children Inc. or 90 Works expire.
According to Watkins, both properties would have been needed if a courthouse were constructed downtown. Since the proposed courthouse location is called into question following election results, city officials said the properties should no longer be actively sought.
While these property owners will not receive their full asking price ─ Messick sought $125,000 and 90 Works sought $38,0000 ─ they will not leave empty-handed. Both property owners will receive an escrow amount as part of their agreements; Messick will receive $2,500 and 90 Works will receive $1,000.
“We have a sales contract that has been signed with a closing date that has to be before Sept. 16 on one and Dec. 16 (of this year) on the other,” Watkins said during this week’s executive committee meeting. “All we have to do is notify them that we are not going to close on (those deals) and those contracts will expire.”
Under city staff’s suggestion, the council voted in favor of upholding the agreements of two downtown properties, both of which will benefit plans for the city’s Riverfront master plan.
One of the properties is owned by CSX Corp. Watkins said the negotiating process with the rail-based freight transportation company is ongoing. The CSX property, along with two other previously purchased parcels along Pine Street, would be used for downtown parking.
“I know we have parking issues downtown, Watkins said. “With these (parcels), at the very least we can do the best we can.”
The second property, located on the corner of Willing and Pine Street, is regularly used for several city events including parking for the ‘Bands on the Blackwater’ concert series.
Like the CSX property, the parcel would benefit the Riverfront master plan. However, at this time it is too early to say for certain.
“Once we figure out what happens with the (new) courthouse then we will decide,” Watkins said.
County officials are expected to discuss and vote on further actions pertaining to a new county judicial center in the near future.
In the meantime, once the deal is finalized, Watkins said the property can still be used for parking or possibly vendors.
The courthouse property item will be part of consent agenda during next week’s regular council meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the city hall.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton won't close on 2 downtown properties (MAP)