County mulls selling buildings

The Sweetwater County commissioners might be putting some real estate on the market soon.

During a discussion Tuesday, Commissioner Wally Johnson said he doesn’t believe they would sell for a premium price, as the area’s economy is declining. Though, he also commented that it would only cost the county “a sign” to sell them.

“I personally have no problem with getting rid of them,” Johnson said. “That was our plan to generate some income.”

Commissioner Lauren Schoenfeld agrees with Johnson’s assessment that they wouldn’t receive a high price, but also mentioned the buildings are costing the county money.

“If we’re able to sell them, that’s a good thing. If not, then it’s doing no harm,” she said.

Commissioners Roy Lloyd and Jeffery Smith also supports putting surplus buildings for sale.

Johnson said the county’s facilities committee is working on the issue and said they’re also talking to a realtor. Johnson said the committee should also make a list of buildings that could be placed on the market. One occupied structure, the Sweetwater County Fire Department on Blairtown Road in Rock Springs, could be placed on the market while still occupied according to Johnson. The department is a group the commissioners intend to move to the proposed Lagoon Road buildings they want to build, which would provide the department with an updated building.

The county has built new facilities between Rock Springs and Green River off of U.S. 191 South, with the most recent being the Sweetwater County Justice Center in 2018.

The center houses offices for the Sweetwater County Attorney’s Office, as well as offices for Circuit Court Judges John Prokos and Craig Jones. Other-court related offices, such as Treatment Court, have also moved to the building, as has the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office.

As a result of new building projects, older buildings, such as the former county hospital and circuit court building in Rock Springs, have become vacant. The revenue that could be generated may also be used to pay for the planned facilities on Lagoon Road, near other, newer county buildings.