OCALA, FL (352Today.com) – On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of a 0.57-acre improved residential parcel at 110 Marion Oaks Manor to support the Marion Oaks Manor Extension Road Improvement Project.
Commissioners voted to authorize a $402,211.25 purchase agreement, plus closing costs, for Parcel 8004-0543-04. The approved deal also includes an addendum allowing extended occupancy for the current owner.
County officials said the purchase was necessary because proposed road alignments would impact the existing dwelling on the property. Acquiring the entire parcel now avoids future complications and additional costs associated with partial takings.
According to a spokesperson for Marion County, Stacie Causey, costs are based on an appraised value.
“Given that any of the suggested alignments for this project will cause impact to the dwelling on this particular parcel, we are acquiring it on the onset of the project,” Causey said.
The county obtained an independent appraisal to determine the property’s value. A December 2025 appraisal valued the home and land at $295,000. A subsequent professional appraisal conducted in spring 2026 supported the final negotiated price.
“Comparables are determined by the licensed appraiser,” Causey said.
The expenditure has a neutral budget impact because funding was already allocated in the right-of-way division’s budget. Staff noted that completing the purchase through negotiation rather than condemnation proceedings resulted in cost savings for taxpayers.
Regarding the extended occupancy provision, Causey said it gives the seller time to find a new residence. “The county does not have any concerns that extended occupancy of this dwelling will cause a delay in the timeline of this project.”
The Marion Oaks Manor Extension is part of broader efforts to improve traffic flow and east-west connectivity in southwest Marion County, including relieving congestion on CR 484 and supporting growth near the new South Marion High School. The overall project is expected to continue moving through design and into construction phases in the coming years.
The July 7, 2026, approval authorizes the chairman and clerk to execute the purchase agreement and addendum. The transaction will provide the needed right-of-way for the road improvement project.