Chase County commissioners discuss Strong City fire station options, urge land-ownership talks with city

Commissioners discussed possible options for the Strong City fire station at the Sept. 15 meeting, including turning the existing building to face a different direction, rebuilding on the site, or exploring consolidation with nearby districts. Several commissioners and staff emphasized the county does not own the city property where the station sits and said the county should negotiate ownership or an agreement with Strong City before investing in a new facility.

One commissioner noted that reorienting the existing building so it would face south and tie into the banked terrain could allow space for apparatus aprons and reduce the need for new land acquisitions. Other commissioners urged county staff to start discussions with Strong City officials and suggested a council member there was willing to meet to explore options. The transcript records no formal motion or vote on station location or land acquisition; the item remained a discussion and next steps were to gather contracts and review ownership documents before any commitment.

Separately, commissioners discussed the storm-siren project and the need for a local commitment to pay ongoing electricity and maintenance costs if a siren is installed. Staff said they are seeking grant funds to cover upfront costs but still need assurances about long-term maintenance.

What’s next County staff were asked to compile any existing contracts with Strong City and report back. No formal funding decisions were made; future action will require intergovernmental agreement or property conveyance if the county chooses to build on land currently owned by Strong City.