The Town of Atwood accidentally sold its fire department and maintenance shop for $13,500. This was one of several revelations discussed at the town’s meeting Thursday evening, May 14.
Resident TJ Herndon brought the property issue up to the board during citizen’s comments.
“I want to ask the board why the city property has not been investigated,” he said. “It’s been brought up for three months now.”
He explained that when Andrew Davis purchased a 2.6 acre lot from the town back in September, the warranty deed shows three other parcels included in the sale.
“Our city maintenance building and our fire department have also been sold,” Herndon explained.
The properties were encumbered the same day as they were purchased, meaning they now have liens against them.
“We’re paying insurance against buildings we don’t even own!” he exclaimed.
“Did you say the fire department and maintenance shop?” asked attorney Beau Pemberton in disbelief.
“That’s what I’ve been asking about for three months, trying to get somebody to look at, but nobody’s looked,” Herndon told him.
“Good God,” Pemberton replied, to which the audience erupted in laughter.
Davis, who was also at the meeting on another matter, said he wasn’t aware of the issue.
“It’s news to me that I own the fire department,” he said. “I haven’t heard that one yet.”
He said that he had no idea how that could have happened.
“I don’t want the maintenance shop or the fire department,” he said. “My attorney will gladly cooperate with you to get that returned to the town of Atwood.”
He apologized for the misunderstanding.
The deed, obtained by Carroll County Observer, names several parcels in the sale: Tax Map 079J, Group B, portion of parcels 0006.01; 008.00; 008.01; and 010.00.
Parcel 010.00 contains the fire department and maintenance shop. It also includes a strip of land on the other side of the railroad tracks that runs along the backside of city hall down through the side parking lot of Mack’s.
Mayor Fridie Algee signed the deed transferring ownership to Davis Investment Properties on September 25, 2025.
Alderman Randy Long said he thought the sale of the property was illegal from the beginning.
“It was not [advertised] in the newspaper for two weeks, plus it was never brought up as surplus, so it shouldn’t have been sold at all,” Long said.
Herndon added that the price was allegedly figured from a tax appraisal.
“The city does not pay property taxes, so that was a straight lie in and of itself, and I think that needs to be investigated also,” he said.
Davis said the allegation of the sale being illegal was news to him as well.
“I am in no shape, form or fashion intended to conduct any illegal activity,” Davis said. “I went in front of this board, presented my idea, and it was voted on and accepted.”
Pemberton said he will look into the matter.
Carroll County Observer will report separately on additional business discussed at Thursday’s meeting, including unpaid town bills, water service issues, and updates on the ongoing financial review.