The Lowndes County School Board is in the final stages of approving the purchase of a 12-acre-plus piece of land where the proposed career tech center will be built.
An appraisal and a confirmation appraisal were conducted on two properties, both located near the intersection of Lehmberg Road and Highway 50. One of the properties, an 18-acre parcel owned by Ralph Youngblood, appraised for $380,000. Youngblood asked the county schools for $472,000, according to architect Joey Henderson.
The other property, a 12.69-acre parcel owned by Lott Ventures, appraised at $430,000. Lott Ventures, managed by T.E. Lott, was asking for $761,000 for the piece of property, according to Henderson.
Youngblood disputed the appraised value of his property and said he found the dollar amount unacceptable, according to a letter he sent the school board The Dispatch has obtained. Youngblood did, however, say he was willing to negotiate with the school board.
Lott Ventures also sent a letter to the school board regarding the appraisal and amended its previous offer to match the appraised value of $430,000.
Henderson said board attorney Jeff Smith and Lott Ventures are currently in negotiations regarding the property.
“The board asked Mr. Lott to get with the board attorney and to begin to work out more of the specific details and bring something back to the board to consider when they’ve worked those things out,” Henderson said. “Basically, Mr. Lott and Jeff Smith are working on the final stages before the board decides.”
While the Lott property currently lies in a flood plain, the offer to the school board is contingent upon Lott building up the area so it is above the flood plain. The dirt excavated for the elevation of the site would create a pond that could be used for classes, school officials have said. The site has all necessary utilities, such as access to sewer and light and water, Henderson said.
The board is expected to make a final decision at its next meeting.
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
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