Committee approves technical corrections allowing county commissions greater sale and lease flexibility

Committee counsel explained that House Bill 4484 would amend the West Virginia Code to allow county commissions the same flexibility municipalities have to sell or lease real and personal property, increase the minimum property value threshold subject to the section from $1,000 to $10,000, and authorize competitive bidding, public auctions with notice, and leases up to 50 years approved by resolution after public hearing.

Counsel said the strike-and-insert corrected references and publication requirements and did not change the bill’s substantive intent. He also noted that trade-in transactions when purchasing new property would not be subject to the same requirements.

After brief discussion, the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment by voice vote and the vice chair moved that the bill be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation to pass as amended; the motion was adopted and the bill will be reported.

The committee record indicates the changes are largely procedural and intended to harmonize county and municipal authorities regarding disposal and leasing of county-owned property.