File Photo Ward County commissioners and staff tour the Halliburton facility in June.

Ward County commissioners gave final approval Tuesday to the $1.75 million purchase of property in east Minot for a new highway department facility.

The county had made an offer to Halliburton that was contingent upon an inspection. Commissioners visited the property and had building inspections conducted. County highway engineer Dana Larsen estimated maintenance to the heating and cooling system, replacing phone and computer systems and other repairs and updates at about $240,000.

Larsen noted the county is getting the property, which includes about 37 acres with office and shop buildings, at a significant bargain. The complex was constructed in 2012.

Funds for the purchase will come from available money in the highway department budget, including carryover funds from 2019.

The transaction is expected to close July 28.

The commission tabled bids on demolition of the Hall Apartments, next to Courthouse and county building parking, because of a delay with the purchase agreement. The county is interested in acquiring and demolishing the fire-damaged building to obtain additional parking space.