The County Liquidation
Walla Walla County prepares to auction off 80 acres of public land to settle state debts, forcing the relocation of the city’s pesthouse.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The board of county commissioners yesterday afternoon decided to sell at auction 80 acres of the county's 160 acres west of the city. The sale will be held some time in August. The decision to sell off a part of the land was brought about by the fact that the county is in arrears to the state for the entire tract, and the proceeds of the sale will be devoted to pay up the indebtedness on the remaining portion. Auditor Honeycutt has written the state land commissioner for a statement of the county's indebtedness. The sale is expected to net at least $4,800, as the commissioners have a standing offer of $50 an acre, which is considered extremely low. The pesthouse is located on the tract to be sold and will either have to be moved to the other 80 or torn down. As the hospital is the property of the city, the council is expected to take up the matter of its disposal at tonight's meeting.
“The pesthouse is located on the tract to be sold and will either have to be moved to the other 80 or torn down.”
Public land management remains a contentious issue in Walla Walla as the city balances growth with the need for public services. This 1903 story reflects the recurring pressure on local governments to monetize public assets to address budgetary shortfalls.
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