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Council directs design work to convert 2000 Challenger Ave into second public‑safety facility
Summary
After reviewing a feasibility study, the council directed staff to proceed with design and engineering to convert the city‑owned building at 2000 Challenger Avenue into Public Safety Facility No. 2; staff estimated design and construction/outfitting costs of roughly $4.5 million.
Oroville — The City Council gave staff direction on Nov. 4 to pursue design and engineering work to convert the city‑owned building at 2000 Challenger Avenue into Public Safety Facility No. 2 as part of a multi‑year plan to improve five‑minute response coverage in the western city area.
Fire Department leadership and the project engineer presented feasibility findings showing that adding a station at the Challenger site would increase five‑minute coverage from about 45% to approximately 65% of city acreage — an important step toward the general‑plan 90% coverage goal. The building is a 1995 structure of roughly 10,700 square feet; consultants determined it can be retrofitted to meet first‑responder needs with structural, MEP and site work.
Preliminary cost estimates from the feasibility study place design, construction and outfitting in the range of about $4.5 million. Staffing to operate a minimal engine company at the new station would require nine positions (one engine with a three‑person crew minimum) and remains a long‑term financial consideration. Staff identified potential funding sources including Community Facilities District (Mello‑Roos) reserves (the city has roughly $1.1 million in each of two CFD accounts) and potential CDBG applications in future cycles if projects are shovel‑ready.
Councilmembers stressed the operational challenges of staffing and the strategic benefits of increased coverage for western neighborhoods, recreation areas and industrial development. By roll call, council signaled direction (motion passed) to proceed with Option 1 (retrofit design and engineering) so the project can be positioned for grants and future construction planning.
Next steps: staff will advance design and engineering for 9–12 months, pursue design funding and prepare a shovel‑ready package for future grant cycles; construction is tentatively targeted for 2027–2028 if funding is secured.
