Big Spring accepts donated 33-acre pit for potential tire disposal, buys downtown parcel to expand public park

The Big Spring City Council accepted two property actions Tuesday: the donation of a large gravel/asphalt pit intended as a potential site for tire disposal or processing, and a downtown property transaction that expands the city’s park footprint.

Mayor discussed a pit owned by Borrow Source LLC appraised at $125,000 and described as about 33 acres near the airport; the donor and staff have completed appraisal and title work and the council voted unanimously to accept the gift. The mayor described possible uses including quarterly or shredding of tires to create long-term storage or processing capacity.

In downtown business, Howard County agreed to donate the south half of Lot 15 to the city with a deed restriction dedicating the parcel as a public park; council accepted the deed 6–2–1. Separately, Big Spring Main Street Inc. agreed to sell the north 25 feet of Lot 15 to the city for $10,000, with a similar park-use restriction and title insurance to be obtained. Council approved that purchase unanimously.

Why it matters: The pit donation could give the city or a contractor a place to manage large volumes of scrap tires—staff cited engineering estimates for storage/shredding capacity—but the council did not commit to an operating model; staff said further permitting and planning would be required. The downtown acquisitions expand the contiguous park area, but both deeds carry reversion or restriction language that could require voter approval for future disposal.

Next steps: Staff will complete title insurance and closing steps for the downtown purchase and coordinate permitting/feasibility work for any tire-processing use of the donated pit. The council noted the park-use restrictions and potential voter involvement if disposal of park property is considered in the future.