Fire Station Project

Voters approved a $13.05 million bond referendum on November 8, 2022, for the design, construction, and equipping of a new fire station. The project will replace the current fire station at 864 High Street and will be located at the north end of the former Morse High School property on High Street.
Sign up for e-mail updates about the projectThe new fire station project originated from a Facilities Committee walkthrough in 2017 and has been in development since 2020 when the City contracted with Harriman to conduct a facility assessment, spatial needs analysis, and conceptual design for the Fire and Police Departments to help inform the former Morse High School reuse study. Both facilities were found to be inadequate for the current programs for each department.
The former Morse site was evaluated for a potential combined public safety building, but the site did not have enough developable space for both departments. The fire station, which opened in 1958, was prioritized due to the level of deficiencies, the needs of the department, and the location of the site. In 2021, the public feedback from the former Morse reuse study supported a mixed-use redevelopment of the site, including a fire station.
The cost estimate for the project is $16,538,376. The amount to be borrowed for the project was reduced by $3,488,376 due to recent amendments to the City's TIF districts to allow for public safety facility project costs. If approved, the debt payment at 3% interest will be $750,000/year over 25 years. It is estimated that an increase in property taxes on a home assessed at $250,000 will be $125.
Project Updates
June 25, 2023- Federal Funding Secured
Press Release
November 8, 2022 - Bond Referendum Results
Results
October 27, 2022 - Public Informational Meeting
Meeting video
Presentation slides
Flyer
October 21, 2022 - Fire Station Tour
Video
August 3, 2022 - City Council Approval of Bond Referendum
Meeting video
Order and Bond Ordinance
July 22, 2022 - Concept Drawings and Probable Cost Estimates
Concept Drawings
Probable Cost Estimates
June 15, 2022 - City Council Fire Station Workshop
Meeting Video
Slideshow presentation
October 29, 2021 - Fire Station Residential Analysis
Report
May 7, 2021 - Morse High School Reuse Study
Final Report
November 16, 2020 - Fire and Police Facility Study
Full Report