We would like to provide an update on the status of the Warrenton Fire Protection District.
The district is currently in the process of issuing the bonds that voters approved in April. This process is expected to conclude in August. Many of our committees have been working diligently on their respective projects.
The Apparatus Committee has proposed replacing two rescue engines by the first quarter of 2027. This is a significant achievement; the committee has managed to shorten the timeline by 1-2 years. They accomplished this by locating two nearly identical engines that were slated to be demo trucks. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the committee's proposal. They will continue to work with Rosenbauer representatives throughout this project to ensure a successful delivery.
The Building Committee is divided into two areas of focus: Station 1 and Station 2. Both subcommittees have been quite active.
Station 1 has met with Archimaging, the architectural firm previously selected to assist the district in designing a remodel of the station. The design team has received the scope of work and is currently developing a rough draft for the project.
Station 2 has divided its efforts into two main areas of concern. The first is the parking lot, which will require the largest portion of the project budget. The scope for replacing the parking lot and the concrete surface for apparatus entry and exit is being developed and will be advertised for bids. This bidding process is expected to conclude by July 6, 2025. The second area of concern involves improvements to the station itself. This will include replacing outdated or non-functioning equipment, enhancing station security, and upgrading technology and functionality. All these improvements aim to provide our firefighting team with better workflow, faster responses, and improved outcomes for our community.
Lastly, the district administration is creating a timeline for adding firefighter staffing. This will be a multi-step process. The additional tax approved in April will not start generating revenue until January 2026. While the completion timeline for Station 1's remodel is still undetermined, it is expected to take several months. New apparatus delivery is anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027. All these factors will allow us to develop a strategic hiring plan for firefighters, bringing in three firefighters at a time to train them before hiring the next group. The timing will depend on the factors mentioned and the revenue from the newly approved tax.
As promised, the district will work diligently to ensure that the bond proceeds are used to acquire reliable equipment and improve our facilities. With the additional tax revenue, the district will be able to increase staffing levels and rebuild its reserve funds. These two initiatives will enhance the district's ability to serve our community effectively.
