Winneshiek County accepts $310,000 high bid for old DHS building; buyer must close by May 15

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing on the sale of the countyold DHS building, discussed property details, and accepted the high bid of $310,000.

County staff noted that the property was acquired from the state via trade and that a shared driveway, septic, and well arrangement exists requiring the buyer to coordinate with the Iowa Department of Transportation and county staff. The property will be sold "as-is," and staff confirmed an on-file appraisal with limited comparables due to rural market conditions.

Bids read into the record included $50,000 from Bonnie Wentold and $310,000 from Kyle Marashek. A supervisor moved to accept the high bid of $310,000 to Kyle Marashek; the motion carried. The buyer must assign and provide a $5,000 balance payment, and county staff will update abstracts and arrange closing logistics. Possession and closing were tentatively set on or before May 15.

Why it matters: disposition of county-owned property affects county finances, maintenance liabilities, and community land use. The board confirmed there was no identified county use for the building and that selling to the high bidder was the preferred course of action.

Next steps: staff will prepare the closing documents, confirm signature and payment timelines, and update property records prior to transfer.