Zionsville schedules groundbreaking for Western fire station; construction under an $8M GMP

Chief Van Gorder told the Safety Board that the town will hold a groundbreaking for Fire Station 295 in western Zionsville (former Perry Township) on Aug. 25 at 4 p.m., and shared architectural renderings and elevation views from the project packet. "August 25 at 4PM will be the groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 295," Van Gorder said.

Van Gorder said the project remains on schedule for a July 2027 completion but emphasized strict budget limits: the guaranteed‑maximum price is roughly $8,000,000 (he cited a contract figure of $7,000,996 and noted other issuance costs bring the total slightly above $8 million). The design includes sleeping capacity for up to eight, with only two shelled initially to stay beneath the construction budget; the operational plan anticipates assigning three firefighters to staff the new station, which could require reallocating personnel from Station 293 if additional hires are not secured.

Why it matters: the new station expands 24‑hour coverage in western Zionsville, but the department said current staffing shortages (six vacancies reported) mean opening the station without new hires may reduce coverage on other shifts or stations. Van Gorder outlined plans to liquidate parcels from the dissolving Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department to fund furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) because the construction budget is tight.

What’s next: the department will present staffing requests to the mayor for the 2027 budget cycle and seek Merit Commission certifications for promotions and paramedic hires to help fill gaps before the station’s opening.