Highlands board weighs selling parcels, revising $1 RCMA lease and demolishing Winthrop house

A Highlands County School Board workshop on June 15 reviewed a slate of property options and next steps, including potential sales, revised lease terms and a demolition estimate for a municipally owned house.

Board members said a county road‑and‑bridge representative expressed interest in a 5‑acre parcel on County Road 621 that the district has held for several years and which the county currently uses. Staff reported an appraisal completed by “Mr. Brown” at about $130,000 and said the county is conducting its own appraisal. Board attorney Mrs. Nash told members a direct intergovernmental transfer could proceed without public bidding if the board finds the sale is in the public interest and both parties approve resolutions.

The board also revisited terms of the longstanding RCMA lease at 541 East Inner Lake. Staff reported contact with RCMA’s new director, who confirmed a continuing need for the facility but was not authorized to decide on purchase. Board members pressed for options beyond the current $1‑per‑year lease, noting the district pays RCMA per‑child service fees (board discussion cited roughly $40–$45 per child per day) while the facility occupies valuable lakefront property. Suggestions included offering RCMA a purchase agreement, raising rent to a more market‑oriented level, or continuing a modified lease with clarified indemnification language so the district is held harmless for liability.

Board attorney Mrs. Nash advised the board to confirm RCMA’s nonprofit status and the programmatic benefits before concluding whether a transfer serves the public. Staff also flagged practical steps — appraisals, survey and title work, and rezoning where needed — that would be required before a sale could proceed.

Separately, the board considered the Winthrop Street house, which has drawn little market interest despite listing on Zillow. Members described visible structural problems, noted calls have dropped off, and said two showings produced no offers. Staff reported a demolition estimate of approximately $13,000. Several members urged lowering the asking price and issuing an RFP for broker services to put the property on the open market; others warned the home has become a public nuisance and said demolition may become necessary if the structure further deteriorates.

The board also discussed a narrow parcel behind Seaburn High School for which a private buyer had expressed interest; members noted a very low assessed value and recommended that any sale include conditions to address school concerns, such as privacy fencing.

Next steps for the properties include completing pending appraisals, conducting survey and title work where legal descriptions are unclear, and returning options to the board for formal vote or public solicitation, depending on whether a direct intergovernmental transfer is pursued.