Council tables land purchase for fire station

FARMINGTON — The Farmington City Council tabled the proposed purchase of property in the area of Andrea Drive in the Wildflower Heights subdivision during its meeting Tuesday evening.

The meeting can be viewed online at fmtn.org.

City Manager Rob Mayes requested the council table the decision so the city staff can review some wording in the purchase agreement.

When he requested the item be tabled, Mayes said it will be brought back to the council at a later date and likely will be placed on the consent agenda, which is voted on with one motion. Mayes told the council that the city staff will recommend purchasing the property because it is likely to increase in value. 

The property has been appraised at $42,900. If the city purchases it, it will be used to build a fire station.

On Wednesday, Mayes said the city does not have a timeline for when the fire station could be built. He said the property is in a strategic location that has been identified in long-term planning as the site for a fire station. Mayes said the city chooses where to locate fire stations based on distances from other stations, as well as response time.

Mayes said the city is interested in purchasing the site now because the property is available.

"You've got to get it while you can," he said.

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652 or via email at hgrover@daily-times.com.