At their January 21 session, the Sunflower County Board of Supervisors agreed to lease a 40,000 square-foot building it owns in Drew to T.J. Beall, which includes an access easement that is on the adjacent 11-acre plot.
According to Economic Development Director Fred Washington, the request was brought before the economic development board, and it is recommending that the county lawmakers accept the proposal, which includes a five-year triple-net lease agreement.
The stipulations include Beall paying the insurance and maintenance costs plus the taxes. “Initially they said that we needed all of the repairs done in advance, but we pushed back on that a little bit and agreed that we would let the company go ahead and get in and then make the repairs over a nine-month period,” Washington said.
At the end of the term the county would have a much-improved building with an upgraded sprinkler system and upgraded lights. The roof would be repaired plus other improvements according to Washington.
Attorney Richard Noble, who is representing the company, said Beall is in immediate need of room. “They’re growing and they are growing in Sunflower County,” he said.
A discussion ensued regarding the beginning date of the tax assessments and since the county owned it at the beginning of the year, no taxes are due and it was implied that the county leaders could negotiate for a higher monthly payment for the first year.
Based on the discussion, District 1 Supervisor Glenn Donald said, “I’m going to vote for it, but I’m just saying what I hear him say what we can do and if we can do it, I’m going to try and get some money if we can do it.” Noble’s objection to that was, “You’re talking about money, how much money you getting right now? You got any rent money coming in?” he asked.
Donald didn’t offer a definite response, so Noble added, “The answer you were trying to avoid telling me, you’re not getting any money,” he said. Donald relinquished and the line of discussion was dropped.
Washington added that the economic board sees this as an opportunity to help an existing business expand and retain their presence in the county.
“And I’m for it,” Donald said and he made the motion to accept the agreement.
The terms of the five-year agreement includes $39,000 worth of repairs, which equates to $7,800 per year over the five-year period. Plus an additional $4,800 per year actual lease payment in addition to the taxes and insurance.
Attorney Johnny McWilliams verified that the company will have to pay both county and city taxes and noted that it would be a plus for the City of Drew, because they will receive the city taxes from the building. The building hasn’t been on the tax roles for many years.
In other business,
County Engineer Ron Cassada made a report on the description requested on a plot of land in Moorhead that the county is currently using as a dirt pit. The section of land was included with another piece of property that the lawmakers were planning to open bids on, so the bid opening was postponed so it could be re-advertised with that section excluded.
