Jackson County School Board sells Bus Barn

Superintendent Hunter Nolen presented Item 6.1 to the Jackson County School Board on Tuesday, requesting acceptance of a commercial contract offer for the 2789 Penn Avenue property, formerly used as the district’s transportation department and bus barn.

Chairman Chris Johnson asked if there were any questions from board members. Hearing none, a motion to approve was made by Board member Tony Pumphrey, seconded by Board Member Rex Torbett, and carried unanimously, 5-0. The property was purchased by Waste Pro of Florida, Incorporated and or assigned.

Nolen then introduced Item 6.2, a resolution authorizing the chairman to sign all closing documents for the sale. A motion by M.J. Jackson, seconded by Pumphrey, also passed unanimously.

The property sold for $550,000, with $5,000 withheld by Fuqua and Milton as escrow agents, leaving a net payment of $495,000 to the district.

Board member Torbett asked how the proceeds would be handled, noting concerns about restrictions on funds used to purchase or sell property. Director of Finance Ellen Folsom clarified that the money would go into the general fund. She explained, “General fund dollars were used to construct the new facility, and that cost far exceeded the revenues we’ll receive from this sale.”