COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A final decision by the Branch County Board of Commissioners on what to do with the county’s 168-acre Bater Road property was postponed on Tuesday afternoon.
Administrator Frank Walsh wants to convert the property into a park that according to Walsh will offer residents and visitors a chance to explore nature and wildlife.
Commissioners voted to table formal action in order to gather more information after several concerns were raised about the property which has a tax bill of over $30,000.
They decided during their work session last Thursday to bring forward a request from Walsh to name the park and establish an annual budget not to exceed $15,000.
The county has owned the property since 1975. An agricultural lease on the property is set to end December 31, 2025 and $80,000 has been set aside from the lease proceeds to help with the cost of turning the property into a park.
The County has leased the property in the past for farming and hunting activities.
Walsh has indicated that the county plans to file for a property tax exemption with Batavia Township once the park’s name and budget are finalized.
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