The Atascadero City Council unanimously approved a design‑build contract with F&H Construction and LDA Partners to replace Fire Station 1, renovate Fire Station 2 and build a detached police dispatch facility.

Deputy City Manager Lara Christensen told the council the project responds to long‑standing deficiencies at the city’s public safety buildings and follows voter approval of Measure D20, which provided funding to address facility needs. Christensen said the larger Fire Station 1 will expand from about 5,400 square feet to roughly 16,556 square feet and include a fully operational emergency operations center.

Administrative Services Director Jeri Rangel said staff recommends using bond financing for the bulk of construction costs and that the city would use Measure D20 revenues to pay the debt service. “Staff is recommending that we do a bond funding for the majority of this project in the amount of about 29,000,000,” Rangel said during the presentation. Construction cost in the proposal was listed at $31,072,318; staff said additional soft costs, temporary facilities and contingency bring the full program budget higher.

Design and construction timelines presented to the council estimate design completion in 2025, construction start in early 2026 and project closeout in mid to late 2027. Christensen and the design‑build team said temporary facilities will be required while Fire Station 1 is rebuilt; the city is negotiating to use the state armory parking area for temporary space and has a backup property if negotiations fail.

Architect Eric Woll (LDA Partners) and F&H Construction President Steven Sibley described the team’s approach to site constraints, equipment access and community outreach. Woll said the two‑story Fire Station 1 design places administration and the emergency operations center on the first floor and living quarters above to improve vehicle circulation and response times. Sibley outlined neighborhood outreach, noise controls and contractor outreach to local subcontractors.

Council members who questioned the team asked about apparatus bay depth to accommodate future ladder trucks, the presence or absence of traditional fire poles in living quarters, and plans for coordination with nearby schools during construction. Council member Funk said the engine bay depth and layout were sufficient for future equipment. Staff confirmed temporary operations will preserve response times during construction.

The council motion to approve staff recommendations passed on a roll call vote of 5–0: Council member Newsom — yes; Council member Funk — yes; Council member Peake — yes; Mayor Pro Temdares — yes; Mayor Barbot — yes. The council instructed staff to return with the bond financing plan, and staff said they are also pursuing federal grant opportunities that could reduce the borrowing need.

The decision follows years of planning and public discussion about the age and operational limits of the city’s public safety buildings. Council and staff said the contract award keeps the city on the schedule outlined after passage of Measure D20 and advances budget planning for debt service and temporary operations.