Commissioners press staff for details as Fire Station 3 cost estimates and debt-service concerns surface

Several commissioners pressed for a standalone presentation on Fire Station 3 after public and council concern about the project’s apparent cost and the projected debt burden.

Commissioner Rossi and others said the proposed debt service — an estimated $1.7 million annual payment tied to a roughly $27 million issuance as presented — appears high and that the commission should be briefed on square footage, number of bays, conceptual drawings and grant prospects before moving forward. The city manager clarified that the $27 million figure “is not for the fire station alone” and that staff has established $25 million as a threshold and is actively working with K2M to reduce the cost. Several commissioners asked staff to bring a firm, detailed presentation at the next available meeting so the commission can evaluate scope and alternatives.