After much discussion and clarification on the subject, the Wood County Appraisal District board passed a motion to create a resolution to sell Fred Morrow a “very tiny” piece of land across the street from the WCAD building in Quitman.

The land in question, which Chief Appraiser Tracy Nichols emphasized several times was “little – I mean little,” is 0.0211 acres, most of which is a ditch. However, owning the property would enable Morrow to create a culvert for increased access, which would increase the market value of his five acres of adjacent land.

“It’s of use to Mr. Morrow; it’s of no use to the district,” Nichols said to the board. “It’s worth something to Mr. Morrow; it’s not worth anything to me.”

The board asked for the sale price of $420 for the land, which is $2 below the calculated market value. Morrow would also have to pay $1,000 in legal fees to get an official resolution drawn up, plus a $750 survey fee. After the motion approving the creation of a resolution was passed, there was some confusion regarding whether Morrow wanted to proceed with the transaction or not. Nichols asked him to give them an update “within a few weeks.”

If proceeding, Morrow would have to receive a “yes” vote on the resolution from 16 of the 21 taxing entities in Wood County before he can purchase the property.

The board also noted that a $500,000 increase in the proposed 2025 budget is for a new roof and windows for the Wood County Appraisal District building.