Seward County to sell interest in Liberal fire station to city for $500,000; staff recommends remodel funding

The Seward County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-19 Dec. 15, authorizing the sale of the county's interest in the fire station at 110 West 15th Street in Liberal to the City of Liberal for $500,000, terminating the prior memorandum of understanding and authorizing execution of a quitclaim deed and closing documents. County staff said public notice was published and a hearing was held with no public speakers recorded.

During the meeting, Fire Chief Andrew Barclay told commissioners he had a verbal estimate from architect GMCN for roughly $40,000 to prepare architecture and engineering plans, mechanical and plumbing specifications, and a bid packet to support a remodel and oversight of construction. Chief Barclay said he would obtain the estimate in writing and proceed if the commission directed.

Commissioner Abbott moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Fuller seconded. The board voted to adopt the resolution and authorized the chair to sign closing documents. Commissioners also approved Chief Barclay's request to work with GMCN to document plans and costs, with direction to return formal bids and written estimates to the board.

County staff said sale proceeds should be used for remodeling and additions to the county building at 120 East 18th Street and to reduce lease-purchase obligations on that building; any remaining funds would be applied according to the resolution language.

Next steps include receiving a written architect proposal from GMCN, processing the closing documents and applying sale proceeds to the uses identified in the resolution.