Council agrees to inspect 1302 9th Street before buying it for police use, names title company and sets inspection window

The Wheatland City Council moved to pursue the potential purchase of the building at 1302 9th Street for use as a police facility, subject to specified inspections and contingencies.

Council members and residents raised concerns about the structure’s age, reports of prior roof leaks and the possibility of asbestos in exterior stucco and ductwork under the concrete slab. A city advisor recommended both Phase 1 and, if needed, Phase 2 environmental assessments for an older building; several councilors said a Phase 1 would identify whether further testing was required.

The seller’s contract provides an inspection window and the listing agent explained the town could include contingencies for repairs or back out if repairs were not agreed to. Councilors discussed that a standard inspection period could be extended by negotiation and that the earnest-money process would remove competing offers once an accepted offer included earnest money.

After discussion, a council member moved to accept the contract conditioned on a Phase 1 inspection to be completed within six weeks, with the opportunity to conduct a Phase 2 if warranted, and to name Premier Title as the title company; another councilor seconded. The council approved the motion, and the mayor confirmed continuance of negotiations and scheduling of inspections.

Residents and council members emphasized response-time and security considerations when choosing a permanent police location, noting the risks of placing a department in a predominantly residential area or behind railroad tracks. The council instructed staff to negotiate inspection timeframes and report back with inspection findings before final purchase decisions.