Proposal to sell Everett Hotel draws calls for a new appraisal and public hearing

Attorney Bob Ost presented a proposed private sale of the Everett Hotel under North Carolina General Statute 158‑7.1, which permits negotiated conveyances for economic development when conditions are attached to preserve public objectives.

Ost told the board the property (identified as 16 and 24 Everett Street plus five parking spaces) was appraised at $230,000 when restricted to hotel use; he said the operator and lessee (Everett Hotel LLC / Bryson City Core Committee LLC) offered to buy the property for $345,000. He said the statute requires fair‑market valuation, public notice and an economic‑development agreement that would obligate the buyer to continue hotel operations for a stated period and provide remedies if the buyer fails to comply.

Several commissioners and members of the public questioned whether the county’s appraisal reflected current market value given recent nearby sales. Public commenter Gina Wiggins cited several recent local sale prices and urged the board to obtain either a review appraisal or an independent appraisal paid for by the county before proceeding. "We definitely need a different appraisal on the hotel," she said, noting other downtown properties that sold for substantially higher sums.

The board agreed to schedule a public hearing; staff proposed May 5 in advance of the next work session to provide transparency and allow public input. Commissioners noted the transaction is not final and that any economic‑development conveyance must follow statutory notice and hearing requirements. County staff said contract details and conditions (employment expectations, term length and remedies) would be worked out in the inspection and negotiation period before a final vote.

Next steps: staff will publish statutory notices, prepare contract drafts and present the topic at a public hearing (May 5) before the board considers final approval.