Forney council approves WRA task orders for public‑safety needs assessment and Fire Station 3 site selection

The Forney City Council approved two task orders for WRA Architects to conduct a public-safety facility needs assessment and a site-selection study for Fire Station 3. City staff described the work as a follow-up to a previous workshop and said the scope includes a central station study and a separate $5,000 site-selection task order for Station 3, with the needs assessment expected to produce site-fit concepts, footprints and renderings to inform future decisions about costs and potential bond timing.

Don Wurzberger of 7 20 Design told council the practice focuses on public‑safety facilities and that trendlines favor combined police‑and‑fire facilities for shared utilities, training and wellness amenities. A WRA representative said the team brings local experience and intends a roughly 12‑week delivery to provide material for budgeting and public outreach. "We think 12 weeks gives us that ability to do that for you so you guys know what you're looking at," the consultant said.

Councilmembers pressed staff and the chiefs on the consequences for the city's ISO rating and insurance costs if response times worsen. Fire Chief Holcomb outlined the city's ISO history—moving from a 4 to a 1 rating over time—and said growth in call volumes increased average travel time by roughly 96% from 2019 to 2024; he noted station siting changes previously reduced response time by about 13% and said additional stations and staffing help preserve ISO performance. Council discussed bond timing, the need for clear community education on ISO impacts, and approved the task orders by motion.