Property purchases raise questions about Glasgow's plans for land

GLASGOW, Ky. (WBKO) – Two recent property purchases by Glasgow City Council have raised questions about the city’s plans for the sites.

Earlier this year, most council members voted to purchase two properties in the city for more than $6 million, with council members Marna Kirkpatrick and Max Marion opposing the purchases.

One property was purchased from Farmers RECC, a local utility, while the other, still under contract, is a multi-million dollar purchase along Cleveland Avenue from MCS Properties LLC.

During a specially called meeting on Tuesday, the City Council voted to reallocate funding within the city budget for these purchases.

The council moved funds from the Landfill Fund to the General Fund, a process aimed at ensuring a proper audit. According to Councilman Terry Bunnell, the landfill fund currently holds about $12 million.

“We’re making an investment, and we have to make it within ourselves for a long-term solution,” Bunnell said.

Before the vote, Kirkpatrick raised several concerns, including the procedures followed for purchasing real estate and the source of financing.

“I don’t know who the players are in this, but I do know that our citizens are deeply concerned and upset and want answers,” Kirkpatrick said.

Treasurer Stephanie Garrett explained that while the funds are already in the city’s budget, they will be moved to different accounts to avoid confusion with unrelated funds.

“By doing this, it is better viewed as an audit,” Garrett said. “It makes everyone see it better and it keeps better track of your money.”

Kirkpatrick also questioned the $38,000 per acre price of the land on Cleveland Avenue.

After a brief exchange with other council members, the rate was deemed competitive and fair, although Kirkpatrick did not necessarily agree.

City officials clarified that an appraisal had been obtained for the Cleveland Avenue property, although the figure was not available at the meeting.

“I just know that the appraisal exists,” said Mayor Royse. “I know it’s appreciated for at least what we give for it.”

The property purchased from Farmers RECC, located at the corner of Veterans Outer Loop and Highway 68/80, has already closed. The MCS property, also known as the “Johnson property,” is still under contract.

“Due diligence has been completed and we are in the process of closing,” Garrett said.

Part of this due diligence included earth testing on the land, which has been cultivated for many years.

Kirkpatrick also inquired about the future use of the property.

“We haven’t been able to say a word because we’ve done due diligence,” Royse said. “We can’t talk about this until we go through the due diligence process, which has just been completed.”

Mayor Henry Royse explained that a public meeting will take place at Glasgow City Council Chambers on December 3 from 6pm to 8pm to review the engineering drawings for the site. A committee is currently examining three options for use of the land.

Kirkpatrick, still concerned about the process, raised transparency issues.

“As of today, people think we are involved in shady backdoor deals, and that should not happen,” she said.

Mayor Royse clarified that the purchase would not result in tax dollars, but would instead be funded from the city’s operating revenues. Glasgow Landfill is a regional hub used by several communities to dump their waste.

“We have the money in the bank, we don’t pay interest on it, and we don’t delay anyone when developers have to deploy their capital to spend time developing the land,” Royse said.

Glasgow City Council must approve the budget amendment in two readings before the funding can be transferred to the other accounts. They will probably complete the final reading at their next meeting.