Sherman County commissioners and fire department representatives discussed plans to erect a donated storage building north of the current fire station to house trailers, emergency equipment and training gear, and authorized staff to pursue bids and grant opportunities for a phased project.

A fire-department representative described a donated trailer inventory (including a recently donated command trailer and multi-agency mass-casualty and support trailers) and said secure, dry storage is needed to protect expensive equipment and enable faster response. The group said the initial intent is to build a shell—roughly 80 by 100 feet—with an asphalt-milling floor and room to add a concrete wash bay, restroom, and other features later as funding allows.

Key design points discussed included three large roll-up doors and a walk-in door facing south, provisions for a 200-amp electrical service to support trailer charging and future needs, R-13 wall and roof insulation, and plans to include heat sufficient to keep an ambulance at or above 55 degrees Fahrenheit as required by state guidance. Commissioners and the fire representative also discussed staging the project so that concrete or wash-bay work could be added later when funds are available.

Commissioners advised that the county advertise the project to accept competitive bids rather than rely solely on a single earlier quote. They also encouraged the fire board to pursue grants (including emergency‑management, FEMA, homeland-security, or shelter-related funding) and asked staff to explore matching opportunities and how a portion of the building might be designed to serve as an emergency shelter if feasible.

Several operational details were clarified in the discussion: the building would house multiple trailers (the fire department estimated about six), include space for training equipment currently stored outside, and be designed to permit future additions without requiring major structural changes. Commissioners offered initial support and asked staff to bring back a more detailed plan and a funding strategy before final approval of construction contracts.