Concerns still lingering over property purchase

The deal to create a parcel of preservation land on William Wilson's property, commonly referred to as the Angelo's site, has brought up questions among local residents. The property is located on San Roy Road in South Walton.

At the May 13 Board of County Commissioners meeting Bonnie McQuiston, president of the Walton County Taxpayers Association, submitted an outline of concerns that she wants the county to address.

Before proceeding with more land acquisitions for preservation, McQuiston wants the county to establish a purchasing policy to determine what the public benefits are compared with the purchase price and maintenance costs.

"It's important when the county is spending taxpayers' money to buy private land that all questions are answered and the public feels comfortable with the entire transaction," said McQuiston. "It all needs to be in the Sunshine."

She also raised questions about the purchase price. According to the Walton County Property Appraiser's website in June of 2004, the property was purchased by Will & Sikes, Inc. for $6 million but now the owner is selling it for $14 million and McQuiston feels the price is inflated for the depressed real estate market.

Wilson's appraisal, done in October of 2007, came in at $14 million, while the county's appraisal came in at $10 million and was completed in November.

"There are no foreseeable legal problems with the proposed deal although there could be gray areas as to what the development rights are," said Mike Burke, interim county attorney. When the property is transferred certain rights can be withheld, such as developing rights, which is what is intended with this property, explained Burke.

According to Forever Forests, LLC., a land conservation company, conservation easements in some instances may allow hunting, timbering and golf courses.

Another deal similar to this one is the beach in front of Seaside and Whale's Tail, which is still privately held, but the rights have been conveyed to the public, allowing them to use it while the owner still remains responsible for its upkeep, said Burke.

Forever Forests, LLC, believes the Internal Revenue Service encourages the private sector to take the lead in conservation through tax advantages receivable from both state and federal governments. Allowances for these tax shelters have been expanded in recent years, allowing for deductions to be carried even further into the future, up to 16 years depending on the circumstances.

Started in the early 1990s, the conservation easement program has been steadily enhanced by Congress, including the changes made in 2006. The law which allows these types of donations is tied to the farm bill which was recently debated in the U.S. House and Senate. "The owner rushed to get approval by the county before there could be any decision made, either for or against the bill," Burke said.

Discussions about this proposal will continue at the next BCC meeting held on May 27 at the courthouse in DeFuniak Springs.