Ione council approves purchase agreement for 217 West Jackson Street as potential police headquarters, contingent on appraisal

The Ione City Council voted Aug. 19 to approve a purchase agreement for 217 West Jackson Street that would become a permanent police headquarters, contingent on a satisfactory appraisal and other usual closing conditions.

The proposed deal calls for a $150,000 down payment taken from the police department’s impact fees and seller‑provided financing at a 7% interest rate amortized over 30 years. Police Chief John Alford said the location offers ample parking, storage and potential for bringing animal control and some services currently contracted to the county back in‑house — steps he said could offset some recurring county costs.

Chief Alford told council that animal control currently costs the city about $862 per animal and that dispatch costs have been rising; he said the city pays roughly $80,000 for a single quarter of county dispatch service and has budgeted roughly $500,000 for county services for the coming year. He said bringing animal control in‑house and reducing reliance on county dispatch could create long‑term savings and allow the city to retain revenue such as licensing and adoption fees.

Several council members urged caution. Council member Dominic Mitchell and another council member asked for an appraisal and preferred options that would allow earlier refinance if interest rates fall; one council member said prior appraisals for other properties had influenced past decisions and wants an appraisal before closing. City staff said estimates for building upgrades range roughly between $125,000 and $150,000 for initial build‑out work, and staff said grant applications and fundraising are being pursued to help cover improvements.

Public comment ranged from support for the department acquiring a permanent home to concerns about cost and long‑term uses of the site. Some residents said the property could attract retail or event uses that would generate sales tax, and others asked whether a proposed animal holding area would be soundproofed and how neighbors would be notified. A preschool tenant was confirmed to remain through the end of its lease this calendar year.

Action taken: Council member Laffane moved to approve the purchase agreement; a second was given and the motion passed by voice vote (recorded as "Ayes have it"). The agreement includes the appraisal contingency the council requested. Staff will return required documents and appraisal results to council as part of closing and final authorization.

What remains: City staff will pursue grants and fundraising and present detailed cost estimates and financing options to council. The council asked staff to explore shorter refinance terms if the seller will permit earlier prepayment without penalty and to return with written build‑out estimates and a timeline.