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Clermont discusses $1M training‑facility ask, SAFER hires and state support for new Station 5
Summary
City staff proposed a $1 million legislative request for site work and planning on a public safety training facility, discussed the recently awarded SAFER grant for 15 firefighters, and outlined a potential $3 million state ask toward a new Station 5 to improve southern response times.
City of Clermont public‑safety leaders and staff used a workshop to discuss a package of public‑safety legislative priorities: a $1,000,000 request for site work and planning for a regional public safety training facility, deployment of SAFER grant hires, and state support for a new Fire Station 5 in the Wellness Way area.
Parks and Recreation and public‑safety staff presented the training‑facility proposal, asking for $1,000,000 for site work and planning. Staff explained the county recently received $1,000,000 for site work on a South Lake training facility and cautioned that asking for a large, standalone building could meet resistance without regional collaboration. “Taylor was very clear that the likelihood of this passing on its own would see significant resistance,” a staff member summarized of legislative guidance, noting that sheriff and regional partners’ support would strengthen the ask.
The council discussed alternatives to a single large project, including phased investments, expanded use of nearby facilities and working with neighboring jurisdictions that recently received funds. Staff emphasized local benefits: shorter travel times to training, the ability to host multi‑agency exercises and potential fee revenue from regional use. City staff said the total full‑facility build was previously estimated in the multi‑million range (up to about $8,000,000 in prior planning), but the current immediate ask is for planning and site work only.
On Station 5, staff described donated land and the importance of having a functional station in place when the SAFER grant‑funded firefighters are onboarded. Staff estimated a full built Station 5 cost at about $6,000,000 and proposed an illustrative state ask of $3,000,000 (roughly 50% of that estimate) to help fund building and site work; staff stressed the ask would not include apparatus. “We are building and getting ready to make that happen,” staff said, and noted temporary / modular station options and use of reserve apparatus could accelerate service until a permanent facility is complete.
Staff also reported receipt of a SAFER grant to fund 15 firefighter positions (with phased federal support across three years) and noted timing pressures: the city needs temporary facilities or partner locations in place before grant hires begin training. The council asked staff to prepare one‑page legislative summaries and to pursue letters of support from neighboring jurisdictions; members emphasized regional coordination given the county’s recent investment in a North Lake facility.
Because the workshop is informational, no formal motions or votes occurred. Staff were directed to refine cost estimates, gather regional partner commitments and prepare concise legislative materials for the city’s legislative contacts.
