Chester officials say Third Street weigh station needs repairs and staffing; funding not in 2025 budget

City officials told Chester City Council on Sept. 24 that repairs to the Third Street truck weigh station are required before officers can use the facility and that funding for repairs and staffing was not included in the 2025 municipal budget.

A city official said the scale itself has had repairs and officers are trained to operate the weigh station, but "it just boils down to the repairs that need to be done to safely work inside the weigh station," citing mold, mildew, electrical work and building repairs. The official also said additional police staffing would be required to operate the facility as a staffed enforcement point.

Council members asked why Chester should prioritize a weigh station when many heavy trucks neither originate nor terminate in Chester. Staff replied that the station can generate citation revenue, improve safety on routes such as State Route 291 and support enforcement of overweight and unsafe vehicles in the county corridor that includes Chester.

Officials said the cost of building repairs and additional personnel had not been allocated in the 2025 budget and that the city could consider the weigh station in future capital or personnel planning. The mayor and staff suggested scheduling a dedicated presentation from police staff with weigh‑station expertise to provide a detailed cost and operational plan.

Ending: City staff said the weigh station is on the radar but that specific repairs, personnel needs and budget allocations must be resolved before it can be fully reactivated.