After an executive session Oct. 15, Lincoln County Commissioners voted unanimously to buy a 7,255 square foot portion of 22 High St. at the fair market value of $15,000, less the cost of landscape improvements made at the courthouse in the amount of $2,750, for a net purchase price of $12,250.

The property was formerly owned by Susan Blagden. She said she had leased it to the county for a 30-year term that expired Feb. 28. Blagden said she offered to decrease the cost of the property if the county planted shrubs to hide the courthouse’s propane tank, which is visible from Route 1. She had verbally agreed to accept the terms of the offer during a previous executive session, and the commissioners agreed to pay the legal costs of the property transfer. Comissioners will sign property transfer documents, County Administrator Carrie Kipfer said.

The funds were allocated from the contingency operating account.

The property, behind the Sheriff’s Office building, is used for parking sheriff’s vehicles and equipment. The assessment of the fair market value was determined by Associated Appraisers of Maine in Bath, Kipfer said.