Fielding council adds $200,000 to budget to pursue one-acre land purchase

Fielding’s council opened a public hearing on a proposed land purchase and voted to add a $200,000 line to the current budget to pursue the acquisition.

Council members said the purchase offer would be contingent on receiving a legal description after a survey, transferring the relevant canal/water share and securing required easements. A council member said the line is intended to get the offer process moving while contingencies are addressed.

The motion to add $200,000 to the FY 25–26 budget passed by voice vote following discussion about whether to budget a higher amount. Council members noted the seller may seek more than the proposed figure and that any final offer could be adjusted if necessary.

The hearing was opened and closed by motion; the council then directed staff to proceed with the paperwork and to return with any necessary follow-up. The council specifically asked that offers be written as contingent on survey and easement language so the city would not be obligated until the conditions were satisfied.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the agenda and minutes at the start of the meeting, opened and later closed the public hearing on the land purchase by motion, passed the budget amendment to add $200,000 for the land purchase, approved routine check detail and profit-and-loss items, and adjourned the meeting.

What happens next: council members said they will proceed with the contingency language and the paperwork for the purchase; staff will return with any new information or a revised offer if the seller seeks a higher amount.