The town of Fairview will move forward with attempts to acquire a piece of land just north of Fire Station No. 1 for the construction of future public facilities, including a possible new fire station and administration building.

The Fairview Town Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Town Manager Julie Couch to use lawful methods, including eminent domain, acquire the 2-acre tract of land.

Although the town has yet to approve the specific facilities projects, Couch said after the meeting that Fire Station No. 1 is "not in great shape," and town staff has considered installing a new fire facility to the north of the original station.

Other potential buildings, including a training facility and perhaps a police department headquarters, are being discussed for that area, Couch said. The police department currently operates out of Fairview Town Hall.

Couch declined to say after the meeting whether the owner of the 2-acre property had refused to sell, but said options are still on the table to acquire the property without the use of eminent domain. Governments use eminent domain to acquire property for public use from a landowner unwilling to sell. The governmental body must compensate the landowner.

The Town Council on Tuesday also approved a series of fee hikes for plan review, permitting, inspection and emergency medical services.

Some council members expressed concern over a new $100 fee approved for ambulance visits when a patient is not transported to the hospital. There was previously no fee for this service.

"I would hate for a resident not to call [911] because they were afraid of the bill," Council Member Paul Hendricks said.

The fee would only be charged in cases where medications are administered or other significant costs are incurred, according to city staff. The council approved the fee hikes unanimously.