Schererville council authorizes study of financing options for proposed central fire station after 4–1 vote

The Schererville Town Council on May 13 voted 4–1 to authorize the clerk‑treasurer and staff to explore financing options for a proposed central fire station, clearing the way for bond counsel and financial advisers to review funding scenarios but not obligating the town to any borrowing.

The authorization follows a progress update from Town Manager Jim Gorman that engineering and structural work on the design are near completion and that the town will move to a bid phase once documents are finalized. Gorman said the town is "under contract with the architect to get the bidding documents prepared." The council's vote only permits staff to investigate financing methods and does not authorize construction spending.

Why it matters: Councilmembers and the firefighters' union described a need to replace the town's aging central station and to plan for long‑term public‑safety capacity. Opponents warned that bonding a large capital project while the town faces near‑term revenue uncertainty could force cuts elsewhere in the general fund.

A member of the council opposing the move said spending should be postponed until the fiscal impact of recent state tax changes is clearer, arguing, "We should not proceed forward with a new central fire station" at this time and noting the town has seen an estimated shortfall of about $700,000 related to so‑called circuit breakers tied to state changes. Supporters countered that the agenda item authorizes only a review of financing options and preserves the town’s ability to act if viable terms are identified.

Town Manager Jim Gorman told the council the architect expects to complete engineering and structural work by May 28 and that, "Once that is completed and approved, then we start going into the bid process." The firefighters’ union, represented in public comment by Colin Safick, thanked the council for progress on a new station but urged that staffing and operational readiness remain priorities alongside the building itself.

What the council did: The motion to authorize the clerk‑treasurer to explore financing passed on a roll‑call vote recorded as 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The authorization directs staff, bond counsel and the town’s financial adviser to report financing options back to the council; it does not commit the town to any particular funding mechanism or expenditure.

Next steps: Staff will present financing options and cost estimates to the council for further consideration. If a borrowing plan is recommended, the council would have to vote separately to authorize any issuance of bonds or other financing instruments.