The county-owned buildings next to the Courthouse will be auctioned. The Hancock County Commissioners voted 2 to 1 to auction the properties at 320, 322 and 326 S. Main St. and 316 Dorney Plaza, setting the base bid at $340,000 according to the Courier. The buildings were purchased ten years ago for $1 million with the idea of constructing a government building on the site. Commissioner Brian Robertson said the auction is an opportunity to recoup part of the county's money.
Commissioner Mark Gazarek, who cast the dissenting vote, questioned how the value of the buildings can be determined without a recent appraisal.
Commissioner Phil Riegle said the debate has been long and offering the buildings at auction one more time before they are demolished is due diligence. The auction date is May 9 with the time to be announced.
