MILTON — Several Milton residents, and at least one council member, are concerned about the city’s attempts to purchase high-priced property downtown.
During next week’s Executive Committee Meeting, the council is expected to discuss whether to purchase property owned by Theresa Messick, Councilman Jimmy Messick’s wife. While a city official has appraised the property at $49,960, Mrs. Messick wants $125,000.
Since last year, under the council’s direction, city staff has worked to obtain property downtown behind the current courthouse location to better accommodate a new courthouse. In February, Santa Rosa County commissioners voted 3-2 to have a new courthouse in the area.
So far, the city has purchased two properties, has two parcels under contract, and is in the process of attaining two more properties, including the Messick property, which would be used for courthouse parking, according a city official.