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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend January 27, 2006 Jacksonville eyes purchase of Cascade Christian High A public meeting will follow the City Council’s executive session By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — The City Council will meet tonight to discuss the possible purchase of Cascade Christian High School’s property. City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen said the city has received a response to the city’s counteroffer for the 7.57-acre property, which is located on the east side of the historic town. The property includes six tax lots and 44,642 square feet of aging structures that have been assessed by Jackson County at $1.25 million. The main building is the century-old Jacksonville School, which was remodeled to house Cascade Christian High School. Wyntergreen declined to disclose the dollar amounts under discussion, citing ongoing negotiations. He said a public meeting will follow today’s 6 p.m. executive session. "We’re just not sure exactly what time it will start because we’re not sure how long the executive session will last," said Wyntergreen. Advertisement Cascade Christian Superintendent Ray Johnson said in December that the proposed price was significantly higher than the county’s assessment, but was negotiable. Cascade Christian plans to build a new school in Medford, he said. Construction figures alone are estimated at $4.5 million, he added. Jacksonville is considering the property for staff offices and the police and fire departments. The city’s negotiating team — composed of Council Members Bill Leep, Dick Ames and Donna Schatz — will present its findings to the council in the closed session, he said. In November, after years of rumors and months of meetings, representatives of the school presented the city with an asking price. The city made a counteroffer in December. In meetings discussing the possible purchase, city officials and residents have offered differing viewpoints, with some saying it would be a wise investment and others characterizing the property and its aged buildings as an expensive white elephant. The Southern Oregon Historical Society has urged the city to save the property for posterity — and from sale to developers. In a letter to the city, SOHS Board President Bob Stevens — a former Jacksonville City Council member — said the historical society does not want the public treasure lost to private development. In response, Mayor Jim Lewis asked SOHS if it would be willing to contribute to the purchase. SOHS Executive Director John Enders said Thursday it’s unlikely the society would have any funds available as it struggles with its own budget crisis. "But we did say we would assist the community in a fundraising campaign," said Enders. School officials have asked the city for a final response by Feb. 1. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Jacksonville eyes purchase of Cascade Christian High ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations Casinos Canada dvd-r Generic Viagra Myspace Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Student Loans Sudoku Online Advertisement s Advertisement