Jefferson City officials give fire department approval to look at other land options for Station 2

The Jefferson City Fire Department is exploring other potential locations for one of its stations which is falling into disrepair.

ABC 17 News has reported that the department is looking to make major renovations to or rebuild Station 2, which is currently located on East McCarty Street. Right now, the department is working withe Architects Alliance to figure out which option is best for the station’s needs.

This week, the city’s public safety committee gave the Fire Department approval to start looking for other land options in the east side of the city.

In August, voters approved renewing the half-cent capital improvement tax.

A large portion of Sales Tax G is dedicated to the renovation or rebuilding of Station 2. But more funds will likely be needed, according to Fire Chief Matt Schofield.

Schofield said, “$912,500 was allocated in Sales Tax G,but it also had a notation that additional funding would be required. That was partial funding.”

He said there is not yet an estimate of how much the project may cost or where the additional funds may come from.

But department officials are working with architects and consultants to design a station that is up-to-date with current fire and building codes.

“We stress building and fire codes for our community and we think we need to comply with those same codes that we enforce,” Schofield said. “So fire sprinklers would be included, hardened areas for storms. … We want a facility that’s going to be safe.”

Aside from issues with heating and cooling, a lack of much office and workout space and a small bay, Schofield said another big deficiency is the station’s single bathroom.

“That makes it very difficult when you have both male and female firefighters both on duty at the same time as well as the public in a facility like that to all share one bathroom,” Schofield said.

ABC 17 News has reported the department also hopes to make renovations to Station 4 on Ellis Boulevard is looking into the possibility of building a sixth station near St. Mary’s Hospital.