Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council agrees to buy building for city's street department

A special city council meeting was held on May 12 to approve an ordinance to purchase a shop building from Randy Weems.

The building was originally owned by Charles Ledbetter who used the facility to house his logging equipment.

Ledbetter moved a few years back, selling the building and land to Randy Weems, owner of Weems' Body Shop. Weems left the building vacant for awhile until the city of Gurdon decided to rent the building for the street department and the city's equipment.

After renting the building for awhile it was discussed at one of the council meetings to see if Weems was willing to sell the property.

Gurdon Mayor Clayton Franklin pointed out to the council at the time, it would be more feasible to make a note payment on the building than to continue to pay rent on it. After hearing the mayor's point the council approved talking with Weems and see what his feelings were, along with checking into interests rates and loan agreements.

Weems agreed to sell the property to the city. However, grants had been applied for and banks were still being talked to.

The entire project, which includes making improvements to the grounds along with the purchase of the property, will cost around $74,000. However, with the help of grants the actual loan principal is $59,000.

In the approved ordinance it states, "The city has entered into a Loan Agreement with the United States of America, whereby the United States of America has committed to purchase the $59,000 in principal amount of the City's capitol improvement revenue bond (herinafter the "Series 2003 Bond") at an interest rate of not to exceed four and one half of the percent (4.50%) per annum and pursuant to the Act the City is authorized to accept the offer and sell the Series 2003 Bond to the United States of America."

The meeting was adjourned with all present council members approving the ordinance.