Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Quorum Court sells hospital

Members of the Nevada County Quorum Court have voted to sell the former hospital building to the City of Prescott, but at press time the city had taken no official action on the measure. The county agreed to sell the building for $90,431.20 - the price of an outstanding electric bill owed by the county.

The bill is what the county owes the city electric company for the hospital propertys water, sewer and electric services over the past several years.

Justices of the Peace heard from Prescott City Attorney Glenn Vasser and Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor on the subject. Vasser said that he believed the county to have four options with regard to the disposal of the property. One of those referred back to a vote of the people in 1996 to sell the hospital property. Vasser said that in his opinion, the county could use that as approval to sell the property to the city now.

Im not telling you that its completely sound and solid, Vasser said.

Apparently, voters who approved the sale may also repeal the sale by election over the next two years.

Another option, according to Vasser, is to have the county judge declare the property surplus and offer it for auction. JP Willie Wilson said the problem with that option is that others could also bid, meaning the city mind not wind up with the property. Vasser said another problem with that option is that the person or group who submits the high bid could have mercenary objectives while the city is planning to use it as an economic development tool.

Vasser said the city could also have the property appraised and accept sealed bids for the property.

JP Bob Cummings asked if selling the property would mean the county is no longer responsible for the property. Vasser said that should be part of the sale agreement.

Vasser will be working on that agreement on behalf of the city. County Attorney Dana Stone was not in attendance at the quorum court meeting.

While neither Vasser nor Taylor outlined any specific plans for the building, Vasser said its not true that the property must be used for a medical-based company as had previously been stated.

One member of the community, Bobby McGough, spoke out against the sale. McGough asked JPs why they would simply give the property to the city. He said that if the city has plans to remove the building and utilize the property, the county should take those actions.

JPs said the problem is that the county doesnt have the money to have the building removed. There is asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, mercury and ammonia to be removed as hazardous waste - a project the city says should cost about $70,000.

I think youre making a mistake, McGough said as the JPs voted to approve the sale.

In other business, the court heard a report that several county jail funds are in the red and voted to transfer funds to make those accounts current.