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Resident opposes proposed Ellis EMS/fire facility, citing petition and maintenance concerns
Summary
Ellen Bridal presented a petition with more than 300 signatures opposing a $3.5 million combined EMS/fire facility for Ellis, arguing the town needs pump stations, road repairs and maintenance of existing buildings more than an expensive new structure; commissioners described cost-estimate refinements and said the project is part of a larger bond package.
Ellen Bridal, who identified herself as an Ellis resident, told the commission she opposes a proposed $3.5 million combined EMS and fire station for the town of Ellis and submitted a petition reportedly containing more than 300 signatures. "Are you tone deaf to what is happening 16 miles west?" Bridal asked, saying the town is shrinking, its grocery store closed and the school has reduced its football program; she urged the county to prioritize pump stations, road and bridge repairs and repairs to existing EMS facilities.
Commissioners and staff responded that the proposed facility is part of a broader bond program and that the county has worked to reduce initial estimates and explore alternatives such as expanding the city's existing station. They said the county is not raising property taxes specifically for this project and described a process of narrowing the scope and contingencies in the conceptual estimate. Commissioners invited further input and said more detailed design and cost work would follow as staff refines options.
