Fire Station 2 expansion plan sparks urgent funding debate

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the proposed $844,000 design services agreement for the addition and remodeling of Fire Station 2. The funding for this project is partially sourced from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, although it was clarified that no ARPA funds would be allocated for the actual construction, which is estimated to cost around $5 million.

Concerns were raised regarding the urgency of the project, as both the fire and police departments are in the process of hiring new staff. Current conditions at Fire Station 2 are inadequate, with insufficient space leading to potential safety issues, such as personnel sleeping in kitchens and offices.

Trustee Hudson expressed strong support for the fire and police departments but highlighted a critical question that had been posed before a referendum was placed on the ballot: whether existing facilities could accommodate the new hires without incurring additional costs. This concern underscores the need for a thorough evaluation of the department's infrastructure before moving forward with significant expenditures.

The board's decision on the design services agreement remains pending, as members seek to ensure that the proposed changes will effectively meet the operational needs of the fire department while being fiscally responsible.