Council approves $13.48 million construction package for Fire Station 7; groundbreaking slated next week

The College Station City Council unanimously approved Amendment No. 2 to the construction manager‑at‑risk contract for Fire Station No. 7, accepting a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for building construction, site utilities and paving and authorizing the related reimbursement resolution.

Jennifer Kane, capital projects manager, said Fire Station 7 — a 20‑22 bond project — is designed to house up to 24 firefighters with four drive‑through apparatus bays, 12 dorm rooms, three officer quarters, a full kitchen and dining area, a fitness space and a public community room. Kane told council the GMP covering building construction, on‑site utilities and paving is $12,364,293; the city contingency included in the amendment is $1,112,786.37, for a combined appropriation under this amendment of $13,477,079.37. Kane said remaining items — furniture, specific IT and emergency‑alerting contracts (Westnet) — will be separate procurements and the overall project remains under the $18 million bond allocation.

The council moved to approve the amendment and the related resolution declaring the city’s intent to reimburse expenditures from future debt proceeds. The mayor made the motion to approve; the motion was seconded by Council Member Melissa McElhinney and carried unanimously.

Kane said site utility work released earlier in the project is underway and expected to be complete in June and that the construction timeline for the new station is 12–15 months, with an anticipated opening in fall 2026. She also invited the public to a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for next week on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Ending — fiscal and timeline notes: Kane said the city has ordered a pumper/truck that is expected in summer 2026 and that the project remains on budget after accounting for planned additional contracts for furnishings and specialized systems. Council did not alter the project scope or schedule during the approval.