Fairview commissioners open review of county quick-claim deed for 30.3-acre ballpark; questions about $150,000 bond repayment and $54,187 operating cost

On Nov. 20 the Fairview Board of Commissioners held an extended discussion about asking Williamson County to convey, by quick-claim deed, 30.3 acres on Highway 96 that currently host the Fairview Recreation Association (FRA) ball fields.

Mayor Anderson said County Mayor Rogers Anderson had indicated a willingness to cooperate and County Commissioner Ricky Jones said he would sponsor a county resolution, but both county and city representatives flagged follow-up obligations. City staff and county representatives raised a potential repayment obligation tied to county bonds for field lighting: "there is a $150,000 that would be asked to be paid back for the half of the lighting that the County paid for," Commissioner Jones said when relaying county discussions.

FRA representatives warned that transferring ownership could shift operating costs to the association and the city. The FRA president (name not stated) said the association's current arrangement requires only a $10 per-player fee to the county and limited duties for the group; the FRA reported annual operating costs of roughly $54,187 and a checking balance of about $131,000 and said of absorbing full operating costs, "we just simply couldn't do that."

Board members pressed for additional details. Vice Mayor McDonald asked for the price tag of the property, insurance costs and a clearer accounting of annual budgets; he said concerns included whether county matching funds for capital improvements would disappear if ownership changed. Commissioner Roberts raised questions about property taxes, how much of the 30.3 acres is actively used, and why the property was turned over to the county originally.

City staff recommended a staged due diligence process before any formal action. City planner Ethan and the city attorney advised using the mandatory-referral process for government-owned property and recommended staff prepare a targeted list of questions, a cost analysis and a Phase I environmental review. City manager Tom Doherty said staff lacked the information to make a decision now and recommended a thorough review.

The board did not vote on conveyance. Instead, members signaled informal consensus to ask staff to return with an economic feasibility scan and property evaluation, with the next practical discussion likely in January. County Commissioner Ricky Jones said the county meeting schedule could accommodate a county resolution when the city decides to move forward.