By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays school board discussed selling the empty lot north of Hays Middle School at its meeting Monday night.
The district is mowing the six acres but has no plans for the property. The current Hays Middle School will be renovated into an elementary school as part of the ongoing bond improvements. The six acres in question will not be used as part of the bond project.
Superintendent Ron Wilson said funds from the property sale would go into the capital improvement fund if the board chose to sell the property.
He said the property might be of interest to developers who want to build housing in Hays. Because the property is in an existing residential neighborhood, infrastructure, such as streets, sewer and water already exist.
The board made no decision on the sale of the property on Monday but voted to obtain an appraisal.
Board attorney Bill Jeter suggested if the board did decide to sell the property that they used a sealed bid for the sale. Jeter said the district could specify it has the right to reject any and all bids.
The district could also hire a realtor or set the property for sale at a public auction.
Jeter said past sales of property through sealed bids for the school district and the county, for whom he is also the attorney, have resulted in positive outcomes.
The district would not have to pay real estate agent fees or auction fees if they chose to use sealed bids. He said he could take care of the contracts under his standing retainer with the school district.
The board will consider the sale further after they receive the appraisal.
The board also had a hearing on a policy that would allow the enrollment of students who live in other districts at Hays USD 489. The policy brings the district in line with a new state law. It will take effect next school year.