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Board approves sale of Westfield training center to Hamilton County
Summary
The Board of Public Works and Safety approved a resolution to transfer a Noblesville training facility to Hamilton County; the county plans major upgrades including firing ranges, and the city will receive just over "a couple million" into the general fund, officials said.
The Board of Public Works and Safety voted to approve a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental transfer and purchase agreement of the city-owned public safety training facility in Noblesville to Hamilton County.
City attorney/staff member Danielle Carey Tolan introduced the item, saying, "This is a resolution. We own a, piece of property over in Noblesville. It's the training center, and we've had it for over a decade." She told the board the county and city each obtained appraisals prior to negotiating terms: "We got 2 appraisals, and the county got 2 appraisals." The board approved the resolution after a motion and second; the chair announced, "Motion passes."
The transfer is intended to let Hamilton County fund and build substantial improvements to the facility. Police Chief Sean Keane described planned upgrades and the operational benefits for local departments, saying the county design calls for multiple firing ranges and new training spaces. "The seventh range is a rifle range, so it goes out to 200 yards," Keane said, and later added, "I just want you to know that we're really excited about having that type of facility in this area." Keane said the design would give Carmel, Fishers, Westfield and Noblesville dedicated handgun ranges and a shared range for smaller communities, as well as classroom and scenario-based training spaces.
Board members asked how the city would use the sale proceeds and whether there are restrictions on the funds. Tolan said the proceeds will go back into the city's general fund and that the purchase agreement contains protections to preserve the city's access: "We're definitely not just selling it to them, we're protecting our interest in our police and fire being able to use the property still." When asked about the sale price, Tolan said it was "Just over a couple million." The board did not specify a final allocation of the funds.
Keane said the county expects to break ground this summer and that the entire project could take about 18 months, with the possibility that some portions of the ranges become available earlier. The resolution approves the agreement in substantive form and authorizes final minor tweaks and mayoral signature before closing.
The board's action was unanimous on the motion to approve the resolution; members moved, seconded and voted "Aye."
