BROOKSVILLE - The city of Brooksville has reached an agreement in principle with the Hernando County Fair Association to buy a nearly 2-acre parcel for about $210,000, bringing an end to months of negotiations that seemed destined to be resolved in a courtroom.

The Brooksville City Council voiced support for the deal Monday night during a special meeting about the land acquisition. The council's tentative approval ends efforts to pursue eminent domain court proceedings against the fair association.

Council members will officially sign the agreement at their next meeting March 3.

"It was a good situation for the city, considering the alternative of going into the courtroom," Mayor David Pugh said Tuesday. "I think the fair came to the table with a good offer."

The 1.97-acre tract will be used for construction of a north-south road known as Governor Boulevard, which would connect U.S. 41 to Cortez Boulevard via Southern Hills Boulevard. The proposed route now runs through property owned by the city and the county as well as a portion controlled by the fair association.

Brooksville attempted to buy the parcel from the fair association to complete the road project but negotiations stalled over the value of the land. The city initially offered $126,345, while the fair association countered with a price of more than $300,000.

With talks at a virtual standstill, the council considered a measure at last week's meeting that would have allowed the city to pursue an eminent domain lawsuit. But council members tabled the issue to allow for another week of negotiations, and both sides agreed upon a price of $209,805.

"I don't think anyone wanted that to happen," said Dave Russell, a county commissioner who is a liaison to the fair board. "It's great that the city worked so diligently to accommodate the fair board. We're pleased with the outcome and with the way they handled the situation."

The deal also includes an agreement between the agencies to build sidewalks for pedestrians walking near or across the new road, resolve any drainage issues and relocate light poles, utilities and a fence, among other things.

"I was positive that we could reach a resolution," Hernando County Fairgrounds manager Joy Jackson said. "Now we can move on to the fair."

Joel Anderson can be reached at joelanderson@sptimes.com or 754-6120.