Marathon County’s Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee voted to authorize the release of two requests for proposals to redevelop county-owned properties: the former social services building and a parcel on River Drive.

County staff said the social services RFP mirrors language earlier presented at a joint committee and proposed a small extension of the proposal window (from four weeks to a longer span) to encourage more respondents. Staff also proposed staggering RFP releases for several surplus properties so the board can consider proposals in an orderly fashion.

Under the plan, the committee expects summaries of proposals to be brought to a joint meeting of the HR, Finance & Property Committee and the Extension Education & Economic Development Committee, with an aim to involve the full board in selecting a preferred proposal by the end of the first quarter.

Vice Chair Marshall requested that evaluations include consideration of property and sales tax impacts; staff agreed to ensure that the evaluation criteria incorporate those factors. Chair Gibbs moved to approve both RFP releases; motions passed unanimously by voice vote.

Staff said a press release and website posting about the properties (campus parcel, Thomas Street, and River Drive) may help attract developer interest and that summaries of proposals would be presented to the board for final selection.