The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners took another step forward on the perimeter road project recently by voting 4-1 to purchase property along the proposed route. Commissioner Phil Oxendine voted against.

The proposed road, which has been in the works for a few years now, will connect US 90 near CR 49 with US 129 North by way of 72nd Trace.

The property, owned by Russell and Ryan Davis, will serve as the gateway for the project since it is located near the starting point on 101st Street, just across the railroad tracks north of the intersection of US 90 and CR 349.

The property was appraised for $28,000 nearly a year ago by the county which included land improvements. The Davis’ offered to sell the property to the county for $32,000 to compensate for fences, gates, etc. located on the property.

“There’s sufficient funds to do it (purchase property),” said Chairman Wesley Wainwright.

According to County Attorney James Prevatt, $400,000 was designated for this project.

“The county, city and Suwannee County Development Authority originally put up $400,000 in order to compensate owners of properties along the proposed route,” Prevatt said.

Prevatt said the total value of all properties involved were originally appraised at $328,000.

According to Prevatt, preliminary plans have determined that 22 properties located outside the city limits will be impacted by the proposed road.

Of the 22 properties, only four have been obtained thus far. Four of the property owners are deceased and their estates are in the process of being probated. Of the remaining properties, some have retained council or have not reached an agreement.

At a meeting in June, the commissioners voted unanimously authorizing the county attorney to utilize the quick-take process (Florida Statutes 74.031), also known as eminent domain, in acquiring the remaining properties needed for the perimeter road project.

Under the provisions of the statutes, the county will be permitted to obtain the title of the property to begin proceeding on this project, but they have to provide each owner with the dollar amount at which the property was appraised.

“The land owner retains the right to assert later that the property may have a different value,” said Prevatt.

Prevatt said if the owner of the property disagrees with the appraisal obtained by the county, they can later bring it before the court to be decided by a judge or jury.

“Negotiations continue with a number of owners,” Prevatt said.

Prevatt told the Democrat on Tuesday initial suits for eminent domain will be filed by the first of next week.