ASHLAND – The City of Ashland plans to sell at public auction more than 350 acres of land north of the city.
City council members voted Tuesday sell three city-owned parcels near Ashland County Memorial Park, including two parcels on U.S. 250 and one on Township Road 1104.
Mayor Matt Miller said the land was acquired at the same time the city purchased farmland to expand its industrial park.
“There was talk at one point that it could be the home of a future reservoir, but that is no longer the intention of the city,” Miller told council members. “So at this time we feel that it would be prudent if we would put up for sale approximately 357 acres in that location… After reviewing it with, obviously, you here in city council and others in city government, we do not believe that the city has a need for that land any longer.”
The city does collect “well over $25,000” annually in rent on the property, according to city finance director Larry Paxton, as a significant portion of the land is being farmed by an area farmer.
“We are under the understanding that it is very fertile soil, some of the best farmland in northern Ashland County, so we believe we should be able to fetch a very good price for this property,” Miller said.
Tuesday’s action was just the first step toward the sale of the property, Miller said, adding that the next step will be for city officials to discuss details of the process, which will include hiring an auctioneer and setting a date for the public auction.
Miller indicated the auction could take place this fall.
“Part of the reason we’re bringing it up now is because we know that those in the agricultural community do have a better understanding of their own financial situations in the fall, October or November timeframe,” Miller said. “So if we are going to make this move, chances are we will generate the best price this time of year.”
According to the ordinance passed by the council Tuesday, proceeds from the sale will be deposited into the city’s capital improvements fund after sale costs are subtracted.
