By Jessie Weisner (Twitter: @Jessie__Weisner)

Clearwater County purchases property in Rocky Mountain House for $1.9 million

Jul 11, 2018 | 9:00 AM

Clearwater County has received approval to purchase a property in Rocky Mountain House that will provide space for a portion of the County’s Public Works department.

A $1.9 million dollar offer to purchase the property under judicial sale was approved at the Court of Queen’s Bench on Monday.

The property located at 4401 44 Street is currently an auto body repair shop and requires $355,000 in renovations to accommodate County services.

As a result, council approved transferring a total of $2.255 million from their facility reserve to fund the purchase and renovation of the property.

According to the county, the new building is needed to sustain the balance of municipal operations, and buying the property was the most financially viable option.

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“Council strives to make long-term strategic decisions when it comes to any of its asset investments,” says Clearwater County Reeve, John Vandermeer. “Following a third-party facility needs assessment that identified the immediate need for shop and office space, the purchase of this property addresses the County’s short-term needs with a more cost-effective solution than adding on to its existing aging facilities. Longer term council still intends to plan for consolidation into one larger County facility in the 15 or 20-year horizon.”

On June 27, Rocky Mountain House town council decided to approve the purchase after extensive consideration, as it makes the property exempt from local taxes.

The Town will now lose out on $16,426.89 annually in taxes from the property.

The estimated possession date is August 30, 2018, with renovations expected to follow in the fall.