West Fargo accepts two parcels from Cass County; 12th Avenue parcel carries ~$25,000 assessment

The West Fargo City Commission on Jan. 19 approved transfer of two parcels from Cass County, taking ownership of a parcel on 12th Avenue North and another near the roundabout at 52nd Avenue South.

Jerry Wallace, city engineer, said the county had retained ownership of the parcels after past construction projects and reached out to the city to transfer them because the county no longer had jurisdiction. Wallace described the 12th Avenue parcel as acquired years ago during replacement of a bridge with a box culvert and said the 52nd Avenue parcel was obtained to facilitate the original roundabout.

Wallace told commissioners the parcels would be quitclaimed to the city for a nominal $1 consideration but noted that outstanding special assessment obligations remain. In response to a commissioner question, Wallace said the assessment on the 12th Avenue parcel is "currently sitting at a little over $25,000."

Commissioner Zendell moved to approve the land acquisition; Commissioner Anderson seconded. The commission voted unanimously to accept the parcels.

The action transferred ownership to the City of West Fargo; staff indicated the special assessment obligations on at least one parcel remain and did not suggest the city would assume those obligations were eliminated. The meeting record did not list the exact legal instrument or recording details for the quitclaim, and the precise next administrative steps were not specified during the discussion.