Marion County plans to buy two buildings in Jasper

A dilapidated building is pictured on the courthouse square in Jasper, Tenn.
A dilapidated building is pictured on the courthouse square in Jasper, Tenn.

Marion County is in the process of acquiring two buildings on Jasper's downtown square, but some county leaders believe that could cause a lot of headaches down the road.

The Marion County Commission voted 8-6 this week to accept the old Harris Department Store properties at no cost.

"The buildings are in bad shape, and they would have to come down," County Mayor David Jackson said. "We would take them all the way to dirt until we decide what we would do with that property, if we ever decide to do something with that property."

The estimated cost to demolish the two buildings is between $20,000 and $25,000.

Jackson said the properties have a combined estimated value of $100,000.

"I think it's a good deal to get a piece of property for $25,000, and it's worth $100,000," he said. "I don't think we can go wrong."

Several county commissioners said that's exactly where the county may be going with the deal.

Commissioner Mack Reeves, who voted against the measure, said at least one of the buildings has a "party wall," which is a wall common to an adjoining building.

"We could be held liable to any damage to the structures on either side," he said. "From what I've read, the individuals next to it would have up to three years to sue for any damage to their wall."

Jackson said the demolition contractor would be required to carry the insurance on any damage caused to the adjacent buildings.

"If those [adjoining] walls start cracking, we're going to be liable to fix it," Reeves said. "I'm not against the property, but I'm against getting into something that's going to cost the county money."

photo Billy Gouger

County Attorney Billy Gouger said regardless of insurance coverage, the county would most likely be sued if either of the adjoining buildings were damaged during the demolition process.

The county may not be found liable in the end, he said, but it would almost certainly be sued.

"That's just one of the risks that you'd assume by doing it," Gouger said.

Commissioner Tommy Thompson also voted against acquiring the properties. He said testing and other environmental surveys would have to be conducted before demolishing the properties, which will add to the cost.

Marion spent about $5,000 on such tests before tearing down the old garage years ago, he said, and he couldn't vote for the proposal "like it is" without some "assurances."

"I don't want us to get ourselves into a bind," Thompson said. "That's what I'm concerned about. We could be opening up a can of worms."

The board's building use committee recommended taking the deal, and Committee Chairman Wayne Willis said he didn't feel comfortable changing the motion if it would "delay the deal."

"What we were trying to do was avoid any delay if we wanted these buildings," he said. "We think it's a good deal, but if we delay much longer, [the owners] may back out."

Gouger said the county couldn't do any work at the site or conduct any surveys as long as it is private property.

That's why some board members were trying to "push it like it is," Willis said.

"A lot of times these quick decisions don't turn out too good," Thompson said.

Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.

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