Go Back

 

County Moves Forward With Land Purchases - With A Catch

    The Lake County Commission on Tuesday, August 18, gave broad support to a variety of land conservation and trail requests brought forward as part of its goals of implementing a $50 million bond issue.  However, citing concerns over the potential of lost revenue in the county should property tax reform be approved this fall, the commission paused formal actions associated with finalizing deals.
    The commission was considering the purchase of four land parcels around the county as well as a segment of unused rail line between Mount Dora and Tavares.  Citing potential funding concerns in the future, the commission moved to get the four properties appraised with formal action to wait until after November’s election.
    As for the rail land, the commission moved to proceed with the next step in spending an estimated $23 million for a purchase.  That deal, however, will also not be closed until sometime after the November elections.
    The rail purchase drew over an hour of comments on Tuesday, with over a dozen speakers, many from government and government-aligned entities, voicing support.  Supporters cited claimed usage and economic development numbers as reasons to purchase and build trails, with fewer opponents voicing concerns over more concrete, oversight and maintenance costs going forward, as well as enforcing proper usage.
    Broadly, the commission spoke with consensus support for land conservation and specifically for trail development.
    “I’m in full favor of this,” said commissioner Kirby Smith.
    “The stars have finally aligned,” said commission chair Leslie Campione, who noted she has been working on trails through the central part of the county for years.
    Commissioner Tim Morris brought forward the idea of slowing the next steps of the project until after the November election, noting the potential loss of taxpaying properties to support the bond issue.  The county has until early 2028 to close on the deal, with other matching funds still needed to raise the total $27 million cost.  The commissioners moved to move ahead but not close any deals until after the future is more clear.
    Commissioner Sean Parks sought $2 million of the needed funds to come from the county’s tourism tax revenue, leaving more money for other projects.
    After purchasing the land, involved parties, including Lake County, the cities of Mount Dora and Tavares, as well as the Trust for Public Lands, will seek additional money to fund actual construction.