The Alamance County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 18, 2025, to approve a resolution authorizing a land exchange with a private developer to acquire a site for a proposed Emergency Medical Services substation in Mebane.

Commissioner Lance Baker introduced the item, saying the county’s existing property on South Third Street (about 1.6 acres) was an initially suitable location but that adjacent commercial and residential development has made the parcel less desirable for an EMS station. County staff said the developer, identified in presentation materials as Corey Corporation, offered a roughly 2.5‑acre parcel at the intersection of Smith Drive and N.C. 119 in exchange and agreed to complete grading and install a 50‑foot culvert at the site entrance before the county takes title.

Baker described the proposal as “a straight swap, no money exchange,” and county staff said comp sales show the parcels are roughly comparable in value. County Attorney summarized the legal finding the board must make before conveying property: the county must find it has “received a full and fair consideration in exchange for the property.” The board voted on a resolution authorizing the manager and county attorney to finalize the transaction; the motion passed unanimously.

County staff said the site would provide quicker access to N.C. 119, U.S. 70 and the interstate and would avoid the congestion expected on South Third Street as nearby development proceeds. The county currently plans to place two ambulances at the new Mebane station to start, and staff estimated the construction cost at roughly $5,000,000. Emergency Services staffing for two ambulances would require approximately 16 personnel (8 per ambulance to maintain shifts), and staff said vehicle availability is sufficient based on recent budgeted purchases; hiring and retention of staff will follow standard county recruitment and budgeting processes.

Commissioners asked for additional documentation, including comparables and a formal appraisal; the county said it had reviewed local comps with the tax department and would provide supporting appraisal information in timely fashion. Construction and related procurement for the facility will be subject to competitive bidding when the county reaches that stage.

The board approved the resolution and authorized county staff to execute the land-exchange agreement subject to the conditions described in the presentation. The construction budget will be considered in current and future capital budgets, staff said, and the county will return with procurement documents when it seeks construction bids.

Votes at a glance: the board approved a resolution authorizing a land exchange for the Mebane EMS site; the motion passed unanimously on Aug. 18, 2025.