By a 4-1 vote, the Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors this (Tues) morning voted against purchasing the Colorize building in Storm Lake after the bid the county submitted was rejected.
Last week, the Supervisors approved submitting a bid of 290-thousand dollars for the building that will be going up for sale. Attorney Dan Connell, who is representing Colorize, countered with an offer of 340-thousand dollars, which was the initial asking price, and he said that is the appraisal price of the building.
Two weeks ago, County Auditor Sue Lloyd said the auditor and election departments were interested in moving into the building. Lloyd said the move would free up space at the county jail where equipment is held, and make it easier for voting machines to be transported to precincts during elections. It would also possibly free up space for other departments at the courthouse.
Supervisor Rhonda Ringgenberg, who made the motion to deny the purchase, isn’t sure if purchasing Colorize would be good for the county in the long run…(audio clip below)
The Supervisors will look for another temporary solution before making longer-term plans. The Supervisors still have the option of purchasing Colorize, as it will now be listed on the open market. The county is also considering the former MetaBank building across from the courthouse, as well as constructing on the courthouse property.
