Angela Jones
On Monday, Nov. 21, the County Commission voted to purchase the property at 234 W. Main St. in Camden, commonly known as the old Sears building. The vote was unanimous, with all 18 commissioners present.
Specifically, commissioners voted to approve for County Mayor Mark Ward to enter into a contract on behalf of the county to purchase the property for an amount not to exceed $265,000.
Prior to the vote, Dist. 2 Commissioner Deborah Bain had questions. First, she asked where the money would come from to purchase the property. Second, she asked what it would cost to restore it.
“The county had allocated $3.4 million to remodel the old Walmart. So, we have that money, along with an additional $900,000 from the sale of that property. It’s not money we have to borrow, it’s grant money and ARPA funds,” Ward explained. “Further, the asking price is $80,000 below the property’s assessed value. We have the funds to buy the building, remodel it, and to make it into whatever this commission and the oversight committee deem necessary.”
Ward stressed that the county has grants for projects like a new senior citizens’ center or agricultural extension offices. As these grants will expire, the county needs to move forward on these projects. “These projects have been planned for four years, and we need to get started in order to complete them, if that is what the commission votes to do,” he said.
He further noted that TLM Associates, an architectural and engineering firm in Jackson, have completed an environmental and structural survey of the building. Ward reported that the survey revealed no asbestos and no structural problems. The roof, floor, walls, and HVAC system all appear to be in good condition.
“As the building is in good shape, whatever we decide to put in it, it’s just a remodel,” Ward concluded. “The county has important projects pending that will need a building, and purchasing the old Sears property will be a good investment for the long-term benefit of Benton County.”
