Scotts Bluff County Commissioners have agreed to start the process of selling the former Health and Human Services building on 10th street in Gering.
Following a presentation by attorney Philip Kelly Monday night, the Board voted unanimously to set a Sept. 6 public hearing on the matter.
Kelly explained it would be very similar to the sale of the former motor bank building, with the terms of this sale to be determined after public comment next month. “How to sell it, what to sell it for, whether you want to sell (lots) separately or not, because some of you may want a parking lot, or whatever,” said Kelly. “So, we’re designing it (the public hearing) for a general discussion of what to sell, how much you think it may be worth, and then setting a sale date, which needs to be within 60 days of Sept. 6. You have to advertise that date once, 10 days before the sale date.”
Commissioner Mark Reichert asked if listing the property through a realtor was possible as a way to expand the possible pool of bidders, and perhaps get a better sales price, however Kelly said the process of taking bids for such property is set by statute.
The DHHS lease ends Sept. 30, and their offices are moving to a new location in Scottsbluff.
County staff and board members expressed optimism that the building would generate interested buyers, noting the county’s Facilities Manager had shown the property to a number of individuals in recent weeks.
