By Shawn Street
The Russell County Board of Supervisors has approved a letter of intent for the purchase of the former Swords Creek Elementary School.
Steve Miller, of SNT Properties, LLC, will purchase the former school for a price of $85,000. The property will be sold “as is.”
The motion to execute the letter of intent between Miller and the county was made following a public hearing on the matter. A similar public hearing was held in May.
A second hearing was needed as Virginia code requires the hearing to be advertised for seven years. The May public hearing was only advertised for five days.
Jerry Hess spoke at the June 1 public hearing and asked why the property was not offered via public auction. He said an auction could have produced more money for the county, “…instead of an individual seeing a supervisor.”
District 3 Supervisor Tara Dye echoed Hess, asking if the county could have sold the property for more if it had been advertised or put up for auction.
“My issue is fairness and the potential for more money,” she said.
Russell County Administrator Lonzo Lester said the county had three options. The property could have been advertised, it could have been put out to bid or a direct sale.
“It is hard to get rid of these schools,” said District 4’s David Eaton. He added that Miller’s company will provide 32 jobs and is “not asking any money from tax payers” for repairs to the building.
Cumberland Mountain Community Services first showed interest in the closed school. However, it was determined that approximately $700,000 would be needed for renovations.
Eaton said SNT was aware of the $700,000 figure and was willing to move forward regardless. “These are great paying jobs and it’s a great opportunity for Russell County,” he said.
District 1 Supervisor Andrew Hensley said the county needs to make certain the purchaser provides the jobs and does not sell the property.
“I don’t question the business,” Hensley said. “I think the business does a great job. If we can cover our bases and insure we’re getting what we’re told we’re getting, I think we need to.”
Eaton said Miller’s business has been operating in District 4 for over 20 years. “It’s one of the largest VDOT contractors in Southwest Virginia. It’s not going anywhere,” he said.
