Tuesday, February 10, 2026 |
Photo – Town of Saratoga town hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
Despite objections from residents, the Saratoga Town Council has agreed to purchase industrial land for a new public works shop.
During the December 17th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner proposed moving his department out of the deteriorating and outdated former water treatment plant and police station on South River Street. Penner recommended buying a 12‑lot parcel at North State and East Rochester Streets, already zoned for light industrial and suitable for a new public works shop and material staging area. The site is owned by Danny McGuire, of Dan’s Trucking.
The Saratoga Town Council held a public hearing on the proposed land purchase before its regular meeting on January 21st. Opinions were divided, with some residents opposed to the deal because the town could be taking valuable industrial property off the market, land that could be used for future development. At least one meeting attendee supported the plan, saying that moving the public works department would improve the appearance of the river. After hearing from the public, the Town Council chose to hold another meeting before making a decision.
A second hearing was held on February 4th, where S‑E‑R Conservation District member Scott Kerbs raised the issue of taking private property off the tax rolls. Instead, Kerbs suggested using land the town already owns at Shively Field for a new public works shop.
Kerbs also recommended selling town‑owned properties to encourage additional development and growth. With no further comments, the governing body closed the public hearing and began its regular meeting. Later, Public Works Director Emery Penner said he agreed the town owns too much property and should begin selling some of those parcels.
Even if the Council chooses not to buy the proposed land, Penner said the town should sell some of its holdings to return those properties to the tax rolls. The public works director described 17 parcels of town-owned land that he would like to sell.
Councilman Bub Barkhurst addressed the recommendation to relocate the public works department to the northern portion of Shively Field. He said residents have already raised concerns about the debris pile west of Saratoga Middle High School. Additionally, Councilman Barkhurst said the shop and material staging area could interfere with future airport expansion.
Public Works Director Penner said he can’t guarantee that either location, the lots on the north side of town or Shively Field, is the best option. However, after careful consideration, Penner said the North State and East Rochester Streets property is the strongest choice for a future public works shop.
Penner added that whether the Council decides to purchase the industrial property or not, the public works department will need to be moved at some point.
Mayor Chuck Davis agreed that relocating the shop to Shively Field may impede development. Councilman Mike Cooley noted that water and sewer utilities would need to be extended to the corner of Shively Field, while the north‑side property is already connected to municipal services. Councilman Cory Oxford added that the industrial property is centrally located within an existing trucking route, making it easier for public works crews to move heavy equipment to and from the site. Mayor Davis said in his opinion, Shively Field is not the best location for the public works department.
At the January 21st public hearing, former council member Jon Nelson suggested relocating all town services, including town hall, the police station, and the department of public works, to Shively Field in the future. Speaking at the February 4th meeting, Councilman Mike Cooley said those buildings should remain at their current location.
The Saratoga Town Council voted to offer Danny McGuire $800,000 for the 12‑lot parcel at North State and East Rochester Streets. Additionally, the governing body authorized Public Works Director Penner to obtain appraisals for 17 town‑owned properties.
