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JEDCO approves up to $400,000 to help build Jefferson fire station
Summary
The Jefferson Economic Development Corporation approved up to $400,000 to support construction of a new Jefferson fire station, conditioned on transferring the department's existing hall to the city and preserving funds to match any future grants. The board cited safety, response-time improvements and available uncommitted JEDCO funds.
The Jefferson Economic Development Corporation voted to provide up to $400,000 toward construction of a new Jefferson fire station, with the board requiring that the fire department convey its current hall to the city and that JEDCO funds be available to cover any local match if grant money later becomes available.
The action followed a presentation by Mr. Perot, who told the board the project has been pursued since 2019 and that multiple grant avenues have been exhausted. Perot described operational hazards at the current station — including limited room to maneuver large vehicles and a lack of water service in the building — and said a new station at the proposed site would shorten response times to industrial areas and downtown.
"There is no water in that facility. We can't water our trucks," Perot told directors, arguing the existing site creates safety and operational constraints. He also said plans drawn in 2019 remain usable and that local volunteer firefighters could help finish interior work to reduce costs.
Board members pressed for details on cost estimates, contractor bids and funding sources. A staff member presented the board's recent bank statements and reported approximately $1,000,008 in uncommitted JEDCO funds available, which members cited as a funding source for the request.
Chair (name not specified) moved to approve the funding request for up to $400,000 for construction of the new station, adding a stipulation that the department convey the fire hall located across the street from the transportation center to the City of Jefferson. The motion included language that if grant funds become available, JEDCO's approved funding would remain available to meet the local match requirement. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Supporters said the grant-match language preserves flexibility should larger external grants materialize, while proponents pointed to the department's volunteer staffing and the potential insurance-rate (ISO) benefits from newer equipment and water infrastructure. Directors also discussed that some interior work could be completed by department members to lower total project cost.
The board's approval does not erect the building itself; the motion authorizes up to $400,000 in JEDCO support toward construction costs. Directors and staff said they will continue to pursue additional grant opportunities and tighten cost estimates before construction begins.
The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
