More explanation, more participation

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Unlike a private citizen, it's more difficult for a city to play it close to the vest when it buys property.

A city must play by the rules of open government. And when FEMA, the Economic Development Administration or other federal government entity is involved, that brings a whole new set of rules and laws.

So when the City of Cedar Rapids goes looking for sites to build a new library or a fire station, it does so through a public process that involves lengthy, open deliberations by boards and committees. When a few top sites are picked, FEMA requires a market analysis to determine what the sites are worth, and how much the feds will chip in. All are public records.

In the case of the Convention Complex, the feds decided that a city appraisal of a property purchase was too low. When FEMA is involved, the city is prohibited from using eminent domain powers to force a sale, City Manager Jeff Pomeranz told us.

Disclosure gives the seller an advantage. A seller doesn't have to guess how much the city thinks a parcel is worth. And a trip to an open meeting or a glance at a news story tells the owner everything he or she needs to know about just how bad city officials need or want a site. So the city's in a challenging spot to do tough negotiating.

But that doesn't mean city officials are required to make a bad deal.

And that's the point City Council member Don Karr is making with regard to buying land for the new central fire station on First Avenue SE between Seventh Street and Eighth Street SE, known as the Emerald Knights site. Karr has heard the outcry over the purchase of the new library site from Truth North, as well as criticism on other properties critics contend were overpriced.

We think Karr is right to argue for more rigorous scrutiny and better public explanations of city land deals.

City officials should do a better job clearly explaining the purchasing process, and why, in some cases, the city must pay considerably more than assessed value. We understand that the Council has moved swiftly to get recovery projects under way. But on major decisions, such as the library site, we think more time for public input in the final site decision might have diffused some of the post-purchase controversy.

Critics also have a responsibility to pay attention. It was open fact for weeks before the council picked True North's property that buying the site also meant paying millions more to help the company relocate.  The  price tag  of $7.5 million was known well before the council made its decison.

Public documents explained the terms, which were discussed in open meetings. Vocal opposition came after the deal was done.

More explanation from city leaders and more public participation are the best defenses against a bad deal for the community and taxpayers.

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