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Amanda Magee, representing the Children's Home Society (CHS), reiterated the <br />history of the purchase of the property and their appearances before the Board of County <br />Commissioners. The CHS investigated using the property for a home for runaway children <br />but then accepted an offer of a place in Ft. Pierce for $1.00 a year, which they have been <br />operating since 1991. There they have served hundreds of children, many of whom reside <br />in Indian River County. They also offer numerous other services here in the county. After <br />having received permission from the County in 1999 to sell the property, they have had a <br />number of potential buyers and obtained an "assessment" (sic) of the property. Once the <br />value became known, the interest in the property increased, and the Public Works <br />Department indicated a need for it for storm retention. She asked the Commissioners to <br />reflect on their decision of July 1999; she hoped some fair resolution could be reached. She <br />understood that the current market value is $82,000. The CHS hoped to recover some of the <br />money and time they have expended on the Oslo Road property so the proceeds can be <br />reinvested in the facility they are presently renovating for children in downtown Vero Beach. <br />In response to Chairman Adams' inquiry, Ms. Magee estimated they have invested <br />about $15,000 in the property since 1991 and could provide documentation for the insurance <br />and other expenses, such as mowing and staff to remove squatters and drug -users. <br />A brief discussion ensued after which Commissioner Macht suggested the Board do <br />two things: 1) make CHS whole for provable expenses and 2) increase the agreed $25,000 <br />to a present fair value. <br />Deputy County Attorney Collins advised that he had contacted the Finance <br />Department to try to determine what interest had accrued on the $25,000 and he was told the <br />interest was ±$12,000. So, in terms of making the CHS whole, if we gave them $37,000, that <br />would cover the purchase price and interest earned. <br />August 1, 2000 <br />98 <br />