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Selma council declares 5.03‑acre parcel surplus amid questions about 2023 purchase
Summary
Council approved declaring a 5.03‑acre property at McCall Avenue and Nelson Boulevard surplus and to begin Surplus Land Act procedures while preserving the city’s protest; public commenters criticized the 2023 $1.5 million purchase that lacked an appraisal.
The Selma City Council voted May 5 to declare a 5.03‑acre city‑owned parcel at McCall Avenue and Nelson Boulevard (APN 358‑080‑79) surplus and authorized staff to begin the Surplus Land Act notice‑of‑availability process while reserving legal objections.
City staff said the resolution preserves the city’s position that an exemption under Government Code section 54221(f)(1) may apply because the parcel is zoned commercial and the city intends to continue to press its arguments with the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The staff report said future sale proceeds would return to city reserves if the city disposes of the property.
Public comment and several council members sharply criticized the 2023 purchase price of $1.5 million, saying the city had not obtained an appraisal or clearly documented a municipal purpose when the council authorized the acquisition. One resident highlighted comparative purchases (a 4.2‑acre parcel bought for $546,000 in 2021 for a fire station) and called the McCall/Nelson price “way overpriced.” Another commenter said the vote to buy had been a 3–2 decision in 2023.
The city attorney noted the Surplus Land Act process gives priority to proposals to build affordable housing and can require priority offers to eligible affordable‑housing entities; the administration said it will pursue the process under protest to protect the city’s legal position while complying with state requirements.
Council approved the resolution by roll call, with one council member recording a no vote. The motion moves the parcel into the statutory surplus process, which includes issuing a notice of availability and accepting proposals; the city will continue to analyze exemptions and retain counsel options for protest and negotiation.
Staff said sales proceeds, if any, would return to city reserves; councilors said they wanted to improve internal practices to ensure appraisals and documented municipal purpose are in place for future acquisitions.
The matter will return to council with any proposals or material developments arising from the Surplus Land Act notice period.
