San Juan County commissioners approved Resolution 24‑2516 and an amended purchase agreement to buy vacant land in the 1900 block of Farmington Avenue for a new Station 6 EMS facility. The approval followed staff presentations about the amendment requested by the seller to align the new building’s appearance with an adjacent renovated building.

Attorney and staff recounted the requested change: the seller asked that the county "design the building intended for the property to a Northern New Mexico design standard." County staff added a clause to the purchase agreement stating the buyer will reasonably collaborate with the seller on design. County architects and EMS officials reviewed the request and reported that altering the standard block building to a Northern New Mexico/territorial style (stucco walls and a different roof treatment) would not materially increase construction costs; any added cost would be negligible, staff said.

Why it matters: The property purchase was a necessary step to build a new EMS station that county and municipal EMS partners use. The sales agreement and the resolution provide authorization to close the transaction and fund the project with previously authorized capital outlay and EMS joint tax resources, staff said.

Discussion and partner input: County staff said they consulted the EMS oversight committee (which includes the county and the three cities that participate in the joint EMS tax) and that committee supported the change so long as the facility remained functional for emergency response. "As long as this facility is still functional for our needs, the architectural style doesn't make a difference for us," a representative of the EMS officials said during the meeting.

Action taken: A commissioner moved to approve Resolution 24‑2516 and the revised purchase agreement; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Next steps: Staff will proceed to closing with the title company after the resolution and amended purchase agreement are filed and will work with the architect to finalize design consistent with the amended agreement.