Fernandina Beach will soon be adding a property to the tax rolls

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
January 22, 2015 9:00 a.m.

Bill Melton propAt its January 20, 2015 Regular Meeting, Fernandina Beach City Commissioners (FBCC) unanimously supported Resolution 2015-06 authorizing the sale of a piece of surplus, residentially zoned land that it has been marketing for about a year. When the contract is finalized, the Commissioners will consider the best use for the proceeds of the sale.

Appraisal photos of the property officially known as Lot 1 Seaview, S. Fletcher Avenue
Appraisal photos of the property officially known as Lot 1 Seaview, S. Fletcher Avenue

In September 2013 the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) directed the City Manager to move forward with an appraisal on surplus city property located at the northwest corner of the intersection of S. Fletcher Avenue and Bill Melton Road for the purpose of listing the property for sale. On January 2, 2015, the city received a cash offer of $235,000 for the property, reflecting the full price of the appraised value dated October 15, 2013.

Commissioner Pat Gass moved to approve the sale with the caveat that the revenue be used to pay off city golf course debt and any remaining money be applied to city marina debt. She hoped that such a move would “help both funds return to the black in the very near future.” Commissioner Tim Poynter agreed with Gass, but added a request that some of the money be used to fix drainage issues on the driving range at the golf course. Gass was amenable to his request. Boner asked if the property to be sold was golf course property and if all the proceeds needed to stay with the golf course. City Manager Joe Gerrity said that he did not believe that it was golf course property and therefore there were no restrictions on sale revenues.

Gerrity suggested to the commissioners that the city proceed with the sale first and then return to the topic of distribution of the revenues. Gass amended her motion, which Poynter seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioners thanked Gerrity for his work on this item, and Gerrity in turn recognized his staff for their work.

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Suanne Thamm 4Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

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Richard Cain
Richard Cain(@richardcain)
9 years ago

If this is not golf course property … why would the proceeds be applied against the golf course’s debt. It appears the City and its assets exist to support a golf course. Absurd.

Len Kreger
Len Kreger (@guest_27135)
9 years ago
Reply to  Richard Cain

An excellent point. I would like to see the money go to fund stormwater projects.