County moves forward on building acquisition

Lincoln County Commissioners Mark Peck and Jerry Bennett voted Feb. 5 to move forward with negotiations, an appraisal, a property inspection and other measures that could lead to the purchase of the building at 503 California Ave., just across the street from the courthouse.

Commissioner Josh Letcher was absent.

The brick building’s list price is $250,000. The county could end up paying less.

The building would become the new home of the Asbestos Resource Program, which would pay rent to the county. It could also house other county offices or programs.

“I think it’s a good investment,” Peck said.

“I do too,” Bennett said.

Peck said he feels it is prudent to at least consider buying property near the courthouse when it becomes available.

The money for the purchase would come from the Payment in Lieu of Taxes fund, also known as PILT. PILT dollars are federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to the existence of nontaxable federal lands within their boundaries.

Virginia Kocieda, director of the Asbestos Resource Program, expressed support during the meeting for the purchase.

“I’m excited for this opportunity,” she said. “It’s a great location.”

The Asbestos Resource Program currently shares space with the Lincoln County Health Department in the Courthouse Annex building on Mineral Avenue.

Kocieda has said space is limited in the Annex Building.

“Moving out of the annex into new space will allow the ARP an opportunity to grow,” she has said.

Established in 2012, the Asbestos Resource Program provides education about the risks associated with exposure to asbestos. And it works with homeowners and contractors when they’re about to tackle renovations or demolition that could expose them to vermiculite.

The building at 503 California Ave. has previously housed offices for lawyers and a title company.