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Selma officials review phased plan and funding options for new Fire Station No. 3 campus
Summary
Griffin Structures presented a three‑phase design and conceptual budget for a new Selma Fire Station No. 3 campus; city staff said Phase 1 (an EMS facility) is likely fundable with a $4.5 million Cal OES appropriation plus local balances, while phases 2–3 will require additional financing or grants.
Selma — The Selma City Council heard an update July 15 on the proposed Fire Station No. 3 campus, including a three‑phase design, rough cost estimates and an outline for a design‑build delivery method.
The presentation, given by representatives of Griffin Structures and Fire Chief Webster, described Phase 1 as an emergency medical services (EMS) modular facility the city could deliver relatively quickly; Phase 2 as a two‑bay fire station; and Phase 3 as a third bay plus fire administration to support long‑term growth.
City and consultant materials show the planning‑level cost estimates based on schematic design: Phase 1 about $5,940,000; Phase 2 about $14,260,000; and Phase 3 about $6,800,000. Staff said the city has a $4.5 million state appropriation through Cal OES that they expect to apply toward design and Phase 1 and that remaining Phase‑1 costs could be covered from fund balance in the ambulance fund, Measure S or the general fund “as the council sees fit.” The finance director and interim city manager reported they also met with a bond adviser but said current market interest rates could make bonding expensive.
Griffin Structures recommended a design‑build procurement to advance the 100% schematic design toward a guaranteed maximum price. The consultant said design‑build typically yields fewer change orders than low‑bid procurement, and the project schedule sketch showed solicitation this fall, selection and design development over the winter, a spring return to council with a GMP, and construction of Phase 1 starting in summer 2026 (subject to permitting and trade bidding).
Council members pressed for detail on donated modular buildings versus buying new modular units. Griffin noted donated modulars are typically 20–25 years old and would need extensive renovation; buying a new modular could be roughly $1 million cheaper than renovating a donated unit once transport, deconstruction and upgrade costs are considered. Staff said they would explore local vendors for new or used modulars.
Chief Webster described operational reasons for the phasing: a modular EMS facility costs less than a fire station built to “essential service” standards and allows earlier delivery of EMS capacity while the larger fire station components are funded and built later. Staff emphasized several items of site work are being shared across phases and that there are “off‑ramps” for council to pause or revisit funding as the project advances.
The presentation was informational only; council took no formal action.
