Board authorizes memorandum with EDA for land to site new South Amherst fire/EMS station

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors authorized the county administrator to execute a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to pursue design and construction of a new combined fire and EMS station on Lot 5A of the Amelon Commerce Center.

Chiefs and staff told the board Lot 5A is a suitable location for a joint career-and-volunteer station serving the south end of the county. The EDA had agreed to give the county exclusive rights for an initial two‑year period to complete due diligence before any conveyance.

Supervisor Bryant proposed and the board accepted an amendment to the draft MOA to remove the phrase “or for a nominal cost” from the conveyance clause and to state that, if the property is conveyed, the county will cover closing costs. Bryant said the change avoids ambiguity about the term “nominal fee” and makes the conveyance language clearer.

Supervisor Adams moved to authorize execution of the MOA with the proposed amendment; the motion passed on a voice vote. Board members said the MOA protects the county from spending money on due diligence if the land proves unsuitable and preserves a mechanism to relinquish the parcel back to the EDA if needed.

Why this matters: The approval is an early step toward siting a combined fire/EMS facility in the south county; the MOA gives the county time-limited exclusivity to pursue design and funding without immediate purchase.

Clarifying details and next steps: The MOA as amended clarifies that the EDA will convey the parcel as a gift (with language to remove “nominal cost”) and that the county will cover closing costs if conveyance occurs. The agreement is for two years of exclusivity during design and due diligence. The county will proceed with site investigations and design work before any purchase or conveyance.