City receives offer to purchase Harrisburg Lake property

HARRISBURG - There might be no more Harrisburg at Harrisburg Lake.

At Thursday's city council meeting, Mayor John McPeek revealed that the city has received an unsolicited offer from an unnamed party to purchase Harrisburg Lake and the surrounding property owned by the city.

"I will say first and foremost, if the city ever decides to sell Harrisburg Lake, we need to retain water rights," McPeek said. "There may come a time in the future when we need more water, and I don't want us to lose that."

Streets and Public Improvements/Public Property Commissioner Rupert Johnson said he is not in favor of selling the property at the offer received, which is $950,000.

"I think that's a terrible idea," Johnson said. "That's a fraction of what it's worth."

Water/Sewer and Flood Control Commissioner Roger Angelly asked Johnson his opinion of the property's value.

"I'd say at least $4 million to $5 million," Johnson said. "At that price, we're giving it away."

Accounts and Finances Commissioner Ron Morse said he believed the city should explore the idea.

"Right now, we're collecting about $80,000 a year from leases, but we're spending that much or more on the upkeep and maintenance," Morse said.

Public Safety Commissioner Raymond Gunning said he is not convinced the city should sell the property.

"I'd like to know what whoever wants to buy it plans to do with it," Gunning said. "A lot of people in the community use that area for recreation."

Angelly said he agreed with Morse about letting the city explore options in regard to the property. He noted that the city of Marion recently sold its lake. Marion agreed in November to sell Marion City Lake to Andrew Freebourn, president and chief executive of Andrew Freebourn Enterprises, for $1.5 million.

Angelly moved to advertise that the city will receive bids on the property with a minimum bid of $950,000. Morse seconded the motion and the measure passed 3-2, with Angelly, Morse and McPeek voting "yes" and Johnson and Gunning voting "no."

Angelly said by receiving bids, there is no commitment for the city to act on any such bids.

"This doesn't bind us to anything, but I think it is wise to see what's out there," Angelly said.