In 1983, the City of Columbus and Platte County Agricultural Society entered an agreement for the lease of real estate to construct an indoor swimming pool on land where the Columbus Aquatic Center currently sits.
About 40 years later, the two entities are in the process of reaching a new deal.
During the Sept. 18, 2023, Columbus City Council meeting, it was highlighted the City and Ag Society in 1983 originally struck an agreement on a lease term of $1 per year for 99 years.
But in light of a potential sale of the Ag Park land with the new Harrah’s Casino and horseracing facility being built on the west side of town, City officials requested the Ag Society consider selling the Columbus Aquatic Center building and property at 1783 10th Ave. at the price of the lease balance ($60).
The Ag Society and Platte County Board of Supervisors agreed to the sale, it was noted. The City Council on Monday night during its regular meeting unanimously passed a resolution to approve the purchase agreement.
“I think it’s fair to say this was a mutual discussion that took place between the City and the Ag Society,” Mayor Jim Bulkley said.
City Administrator Tara Vasicek said the agreement will go before the Ag Society board on Sept. 25.
The city attorney drafted the purchase agreement. The City will provide the legal and technical materials necessary to cause a plat to be finalized and pay all closing costs associated with the sale.