(Jonesborough, Tenn.) ⎯ The Washington County Owned Property Committee is seeking ideas for use of the County Farm. Once home to the county’s poor, the 47-acre farm at 1078 Zeke Crawford Road, just off Couch Road, is currently operated by caretaker, Mike Collins. Horses, cattle, chicken, goats and dogs roam the farm that contains woods, rocks, swamp and burial grounds of past occupants.
The County Farm dates back to the 19th century and was the last active “Poor Farm” in operation in Tennessee, providing a space to live for community members who had no other care available to them.
County Commissioner Jodi Jones who chairs the County owned property committee said this request for proposal is an opportunity for county residents to think outside the box.
“We have heard people suggest a number of ideas,” said Jones. “With this RFP, let’s see what the citizens can put together by way of an organized plan for how to accomplish what would work for the land. As commissioners, we owe it to the citizens of Washington County to help them get the absolute best use of county owned property.” According to the County’s Purchasing website, “The county is seeking to obtain a wide range of realistic and obtainable proposals in an effort to find the highest and best use for this county asset.” The RFP due date is Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 2 p.m.
For more information, please visit https://www.washingtoncountytn.org/184/Purchasing.