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POLK COUNTY–In January, the Polk County Board of Commissioners discussed the recent approval to purchase property in the Mill Spring area for the use of government offices. 

At the January meeting, resident Pat Lennon asked the board to elaborate on what the purchase would entail. Polk County Attorney Jana Berg explained that on October 17 of last year, there was a motion to enter into a contract to purchase the 6.74-acre tract of land and building, located at 2881 Hwy. 108 E in Mill Spring, for $791,859. The motion passed unanimously. 

“The main building will house the Health and Human Services Agency, this would include the Administration Department, the Transportation Department, and the public health offices,” Berg stated. “Also, a portion of the warehouse office area will be used to house the forestry office. There’s some more space that has potential for use later.” 

At the January meeting, a motion was passed to appropriate fund balance in the amount of $791,859 for the purchase.

“For those that may not know by the address, this is the old Duke power building, and Dr. Lassiter’s office, out on 108,” said Commissioner David Moore. 

“If we would have to build this type of building, it would cost us three times as much,” said Commissioner Myron Yoder. “So I think this is a very good buy.”

A motion was also approved for a hold-over lease to give the current tenant time to remove equipment and items located at the property.

A portion of the total will be put toward improving the property, and $5,000 of the total amount for the project was earnest deposit money.