During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the county's decision to sell a substantial timber property valued at over $10 million, with bids due next month. The lack of public comment prior to this decision has sparked a wave of inquiries from community members and officials alike.
Participants questioned whether mineral assessments were conducted before placing such a large timber sale on the market, and whether the current timber market conditions are favorable for such a significant transaction. Notably, one official pointed out that a previous timber sale earlier this year failed to attract buyers, raising doubts about the viability of the current sale.
Further scrutiny was directed at the bundling of the timber property with another parcel, which is being offered at an average of 10% less per acre than a recent offer made to the county. This has led to questions about the rationale behind the pricing strategy and whether suitable replacement properties are available should the sale proceed.
The meeting underscored a growing demand for transparency and public involvement in decisions that impact the community, particularly regarding the management of county resources. As the bid deadline approaches, the county faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and provide clarity on the sale process.