Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Orange County OKs $1.7M loan for Orange Grove Fire District station upgrades
Summary
The Board unanimously authorized a $1.7 million loan to Orange Grove Fire District to convert Station #2 into a staffed fire station with living quarters, approving a promissory note and budget amendment and directing county staff to implement repayment terms.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners on April 21 approved a $1.7 million loan to Orange Grove Fire District to fund renovations to Rocky Ridge Fire Station #2, converting the building into a full fire station with living quarters, offices and a kitchen.
The Board adopted a resolution and approved Budget Amendment #9‑A authorizing county-facilitated financing. Under the promissory note structure outlined at the meeting, OGFD will repay annual principal and interest beginning Jan. 15, 2027, with final maturity no later than Jan. 15, 2047; the debt‑service schedule was prepared using a 5% planning rate, subject to final bond pricing. County staff said the County may offset overdue payments from district tax distributions per the promissory note.
Orange Grove Fire District representatives said the project addresses rising call volumes and a shrinking volunteer pool. Daniel Snipes, Board President, said the station currently lacks adequate facilities; Chief Ricky Baker said the department wants to reduce response times and prepare for the possibility of increased daytime staffing and eventual around‑the‑clock coverage. Baker said the district’s ISO rating is 5 and that facility upgrades aim to sustain or improve service.
Some residents pressed for more outreach: Susan Walser asked the Board to delay approval because community members had not been sufficiently informed and she did not find an active permit application in planning records. Commissioner Earl McKee expressed concern about precedent, noting this would be the county’s first such loan to a fire district. Other commissioners supported the loan, saying county financing should secure a better interest rate for district taxpayers and that the district has the capacity to repay.
Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford moved to adopt the resolution; Vice‑Chair Amy Fowler seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The County Manager and Chief Financial Officer were authorized to take actions necessary to implement the loan.
