Council narrowly approves resolution to buy Dismukes property for $8.5 million to reserve school site and interchange

The Burford Spur City Council on Sept. 3 approved Resolution 26R28, which commits the city to purchase the Dismukes property for $8,500,000 and to reserve approximately 60–63 acres for a future school site while preserving right-of-way for a possible interchange or flyover.

City staffer Gore framed the resolution as an effort to put verbal commitments in writing and to create a pathway for coordinated development: "We would reserve the 63 or so acres or 60 acres or so for a school site," he said, and the resolution describes providing sanitary sewer service to the site and placing a deed restriction to ensure school use. Gore told council the city would hold the property at cost and work with the county school board and County Utilities District (CUD) on additional acreage.

Several council members expressed concern that the resolution could sidestep the county commission or school board. One council member said the city was "indirectly telling the school board" what to do and urged a memorandum of agreement instead of a resolution. Mayor Mary McFarland defended the approach as a way to avoid future condemnation disputes and to give the county time to fund construction: "We're offering to fully pay for the land... The city is going to pay for it," she said.

Councilmember S2 moved to approve the resolution and S7 seconded. The roll-call vote was Miss Aberwater — Aye; Miss Gail Harris — Nay; Mister Maxwell — Nay; Vice mayor Schacklett — Nay; Mister Wade — Aye; Mister Wright — Aye; Mary McFarland — Aye. The measure passed 4–3.

The resolution is written as the city's commitment and outlines next steps for potential memoranda of understanding and development agreements; it does not itself transfer title or close on the property. Staff emphasized the resolution could be a framework for a later contract or MOU that would contain enforceable terms.