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Jasper County approves $650,000 purchase to site replacement Snahatchee fire station amid wetland, grant questions
Summary
The council approved spending $650,000 to buy a roughly 22.5‑acre parcel for a replacement Snahatchee fire station after staff presented appraisals, surveys and wetland delineations; council debated wetlands, grant eligibility and options to sell or subdivide unused acreage.
Jasper County Council approved a request to acquire a parcel of land the county plans to use for a replacement Snahatchee fire station and related community uses for $650,000.
Chief Wells told the council the county completed appraisals, surveys, wetland delineation and a Phase I environmental review and negotiated the $650,000 purchase price after an appraisal returned a figure above $800,000. Staff said some acreage on the parcel is delineated wetland — staff cited roughly 8.964 acres of delineated wetlands — and said portions could be subdivided and sold if the county desired to recoup investment.
Council members pressed staff on how the county would fund the purchase and construction. Kimberly Burgess (chief finance officer) said the county could use capital outlay funds or a fund-balance contribution; staff also discussed pursuing a Commerce Department grant (staff said up to $500,000 is the typical Commerce grant maximum) and an RDA low-interest loan for construction if acquisition occurs first. Council members noted that previous attempts at grant funding had been denied when wetlands/delineation were not in place.
Members debated whether the larger parcel’s additional acreage is the best use for a rural area and whether a different location would improve response times. Staff said the larger parcel provided better interstate access and flexibility for response to multiple service zones.
After extended discussion about due diligence already completed, service-area impacts and potential mitigation or resale options, the council approved the resolution to acquire the parcel and proceed with planning. The motion carried by voice vote; the transcript records the chair saying the ayes carry.
