Fruita council authorizes $305,000 purchase of 166 South Plum Street adjacent to police department

Fruita — The Fruita City Council voted unanimously to appropriate $305,000 and authorize closing on the purchase of 166 South Plum Street, a downtown parcel directly adjacent to the police department.

Shannon, the city manager, said the property owner contacted the city privately to offer the parcel for sale. Staff placed the property under contract and recommended the city acquire it because of strategic opportunities — potential police expansion, parking or future economic development — and the possibility of assembling adjacent parcels for larger projects.

The appropriation (Resolution 2026‑03) to set aside $305,000 from the general fund passed 6‑0. Council then approved Resolution 2026‑06, authorizing the city manager to execute closing documents; staff said the purchase was scheduled to close the following day pending the council’s approval.

Tessa Bynum, a public commenter, noted the lot’s small size (0.14 acres) and suggested it could accommodate roughly 17 parking spaces, questioning whether the purchase represented good value for that footprint. “For the size of that lot, I don’t think any of the ideas that were just mentioned for that location are plausible,” she said, while also saying she supported the council’s decision.

Council members discussed the potential benefit of acquiring adjacent parcels over time and noted the city has been approached previously by nearby property owners. Deb Woods conducted roll call votes; both resolutions passed 6‑0.

Next steps: staff will designate the fund source within the general fund depending on eventual use (economic development, public safety, employee housing or parking) and execute closing documents as authorized by council.