Commissioners to vote on purchase, lease of Buggy Factory building

Jun. 18—The City of Sanford has agreed to continue leasing space at the Buggy Factory building and the Lee County commissioners are set to approve the agreement at Monday's meeting.

Earlier this month, the commissioners were scheduled to hold a public hearing on the purchase of the building at 115 Chatham St. from Progressive Development Corp., owners of the property.

The building has served as a center for city and county offices. The Sanford Area Growth Alliance office is housed in the building as well.

However, the public hearing was delayed after city officials wanted to change terms of a lease agreement with the county, according to County Manager John Crumpton.

The county approved purchasing the building for $5.125 million and putting a down payment of $1.5 million and making monthly loan payments of $75,000.

County officials proposed entering into a 10-year lease agreement with the city.

However, the commissioners learned at the meeting that the city wanted to sign a four-year lease with a monthly payment of $8,565.

That delayed any action by the county commissioners.

The county has agreed to the city's request and will vote on it at Monday's meeting.

Other items on Monday's agenda include voting on the proposed Capital Improvements Program from the 2022-23 fiscal year to the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The commissioners will get an update on the tax reappraisal process, act on a request from Lee County Libraries to allow alcohol sales during the Pop!-con annual event in August and review additions to the Emergency Medical Services Franchise agreement with FirstHealth of the Carolinas.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Dennis Wicker Civic Center.