How much did it cost the taxpayers to sell the Masonite property?

The first contract with A&V was signed 7/23/10 and after the five written contracts the property was sold to A&V; it was signed 7/17/12. During that period, the mayor and council were in executive session (excluding the public and public opinion) 47 times.

The contract dated 7/23/10 required A&V to make improvements to the property or pay the city $90,000 at the end of the lease (6/30/11); no improvements were made and the city did not receive the $90,000. The rent paid by A&V ($54,000) was allowed to be used as downpayment to purchase, thus allowing A&V to use public-owned property 25 months without A&V paying rent. The 7/23/10 contract stated the rent to be $90,000 per year.

The bark company rented 15 acres from the city for $300 per acre ($4,500 per month) and the property was included in the property sold to A&V. The sale contract dated 7/17/12 required A&V to make a monthly payments of $3,299.80 per month or a loss of revenue to the city of $1,200.20 per month.

During the period 7/23/10 to 7/17/12, the mayor and council allowed T-Mobile to started construction to place cell phone equipment on the water tower, on the subject property. The T-Mobile estimated monthly payment ($800-$1,000) will go to A&V, not the city.

How much did it really cost the taxpayers to sell the Masonite property? Did the mayor and council misuse the public trust?

You decide.

John Taylor

Pilot Rock