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Council approves fire department appropriations including $800K renovation for Station 212
Summary
The council approved multiple fire appropriations: $50,000 for truck repairs and an $800,000 additional appropriation to renovate Fire Station 212, which includes interior updates, HVAC work, bay floor epoxy and locker‑room upgrades.
The council approved two appropriations for the fire department on July 13. Kelsey (speaker 2) read resolution 2026‑29 to appropriate $50,000 to replenish the general fire truck repair line; Chief Batts (speaker 12) said truck repairs are a moving target and the appropriation is needed to keep vehicles in service.
Chief Batts also explained a larger renovation for Station 212 under resolution 2026‑33. He detailed scope items including removal of aging carpet and wall coverings, new locker‑room fixtures, epoxy bay floor, HVAC/ventilation upgrades (the building was originally designed with residential HVAC), electrical rewiring, stair covering replacement and interior repainting. The project had been budgeted at $800,000 but could not be included in the 2026 budget due to the citywide budget freeze; the appropriation replaces the previously planned line item so work can proceed.
During public comment residents asked why certain public safety funds were being used for fire station work while the police station needs remain. Staff explained the LIT public safety fund covers both police and fire needs and that the police station project has different scale and financing needs; councilors noted the $4–5 million balance in the fund but said it would not be sufficient to build a new police station. The council approved the appropriations after public hearing and discussion.
Why it matters: Renovations will address long‑deferred maintenance, HVAC and safety upgrades at a station that entered service in 2001 and had interim improvements in 2016 and 2020; truck repair funding keeps emergency vehicles operational.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with contracting and work on Station 212; the expenditures were approved by council vote.
