Text 
No Comments [ Add Comment ]Morgan residents worry new county building will cost them
MORGAN -- As Morgan County moves closer to constructing a new county building, the city doesn't want to give up its share of parking or the fire department building.
"No matter what we do, the citizens of Morgan city are going to pay either way," said Morgan City Councilman Tony London.
The county is contemplating building a new administration building on the block that now houses county offices, city offices, the county library and the county fire department. To make room for the new building, the current fire department may have to be torn down and relocated, hopefully within the same block.
The county owns the land the fire department sits on, while the city owns the building, recently appraised for $476,200 by an insurance company. In addition, the city owns 12 percent of the block's parking area.
Mayor Dean Pace recently approached city council members about their preferences as the county proceeds with plans for a new building. Specifically, should the city sell the building to the county for the appraised value, or surrender the building in exchange for a waiver of fees the city normally pays the county for fire protection?
"We're going to lose a building, but we'll all have to pay to replace it no matter where you live, city or county," London said.
Since city residents also pay county taxes, double taxation has always been an issue for city administrators, Pace said. Although the county is exploring options for a new building, officials have not yet decided how to finance the project, which may require a general obligation bond.
"We end up paying twice any way it goes," City Councilman DeOrr Peterson said.
Pace said plans for the new fire department would include five bays and accommodations for a full-time staff with sleeping quarters. The price tag may be about $1.5 million, he said.
Add Your Comment
