VWSD rejects new bid for Kings Point Island land

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg Warren School District has rejected the latest bid on the Kings Point Island land during the Board of Trustees meeting held Thursday, July 23.

The single bid was submitted by the current landowner at the rate of $10 per acre. Superintendent Toriano Holloway said he believes the land is worth more than the bidded price of $6,440 for the 643.92-acre tract of land.

The rejection comes after the board voted in June to reject the Warren County Board of Supervisor’s bid of $100,000. The Mississippi Secretary of State which oversees all Section 16 land raised questions regarding the county’s bid and the school board voted to not accept.

The most recent bid by Raymond B. May, the most current land lessee, was in the amount of $6,440. He was the sole bidder in the most recent auction held by the school board.

The Board voted to reject the bid because the total May bid was the amount he was currently paying to lease the land. Several members of the Board felt the land was and is worth more than the $10 per acre price.

According to state statues, the superintendent may now reach out to to help solicit bidders to increase the price. The original land lessee, May, will have the option to match bids.

Regarding the bid of $100,000 from the Warren County BOS, the Board maintains they were not informed in a timely manner of the rejection from the school district.

According to the school district, they are actively trying to reach the other bidders who bid for the land against the BOS’ pledge of $100K.

The original bids for the land on Kings Point Island are as follows: The other selections on the tract were as follows:

Warren County Board of Supervisors $100,000

Matthew Wilson $30,150

David White $31,007

James McGuffie $15,000 

Spencer Hooks,  Four Hooks Farms $25,000

Shane Upshaw $12,880

Howell R Jones Jr $6,450

Raymond May $6,440

Swamp Donkey Properties $8,250