HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed Guidelines - Use of County PropertyMEMORANDUM
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Susan Ross, Property & Facilities Director
COPY: Dave Kanner, Erik Kropp
DATE: October 31, 2008
RE: Guidelines for Leasing County -Owned Property
Periodically we receive proposals from companies wishing to lease county -owned land
for wireless communication facilities. It has been our practice not to lease to these
companies. We also receive requests from groups who wish to lease space at county -
owned buildings. It has been our practice to lease office space to nonprofit organizations
that serve clients who would be served by the County.
We recommend that the Board consider the following guidelines that would clarify to
whom the County leases and on what general terms:
Leases for Communication Facilities
It is the policy of Deschutes County that the primary and priority use of county facilities
is for county and/or government -associated activities. The County will consider
proposals to lease land for wireless communication facilities on these conditions:
o The communication equipment does not interfere with County communication
systems or the operation and maintenance of the County facility where it is sited.
o The lessee will sublease to other users (to minimize the number of communication
sites on county -owned land).
o Annual consideration will be at least six percent (6%) of the appraised value of
the leased land.
o Leases will be for the longest possible term --preferably twenty (20) years.
Leases for Office Space
It is the policy of Deschutes County that the primary and priority use of county facilities
is for county and/or government -associated activities. Nonprofit organizations may lease
office space in county, subject to availability, and in accordance with the provisions of
this policy. The County will consider requests to lease office space to nonprofits on these
conditions:
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o The nonprofit serves the same client base as a Deschutes County department or
program, is a service that would otherwise have to be provided by Deschutes
County, or is a service that benefits Deschutes County and/or its employees.
o The lessee will abide by all policies and procedures governing use of County
facilities.
o The rental rates may be below market rate if a hardship exists or if the nonprofit
provides services in kind (e.g. language interpretation, childcare).
For the purpose of this policy, unless otherwise specified, the following definitions shall
apply:
"County facilities" means real property that is owned by Deschutes County including but
not limited to buildings, facilities, or real property which is fenced, enclosed or otherwise
developed and any associated grounds.
"Nonprofit organization(s)" means an organization that is legally incorporated and
exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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