Council to consider funding for new fire station

City leaders could OK certifications of obligation next month

When the City Council meets Sept. 8, it will consider approving issuing certificates of obligation to pave the way for construction of the long-awaited Boerne Fire Station No. 2.

The impetus to build a new fire station picked up speed after flooding July 15 inundated the Herff Road-River Road intersection, essentially separating south Boerne from emergency services.

At a previous council meeting, City Financial Officer Sarah Buckelew gave an update on the city’s progress concerning the proposed fire station.

The city is proposing to issue $20 million in certificates of obligation to partially fund the construction of Fire Station 2, she said.

It will not lead to a tax increase, Buckelew added.

The total project price tag, estimated at $ 30 million, includes the design costs, site work and public infrastructure, fire station building, the fire apparatus and equipment previously ordered, furniture and fixtures for the station, and project contingency.

Located along Esperanza Boulevard on the east side of the department’s service territory, the nearly $21 million facility will go far beyond standard fire operations, officials said.

It will feature a community meeting room that also functions as a firefighter training space and a backup emergency operations center.

The station will also include library services and a small museum room dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Fire Department and the Boerne community.

“We’re able to structure our debt so that the issuance will not involve a tax increase,” Buckelew said. “We’re able to do this and maintain the same tax rate.”

The city plans to break ground in 2027 and complete construction in 2028, she said.

On July 14, the council in a 4-0 vote approved a resolution to publish a notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation — the $20 million for Fire Station 2 and two others dealing with measures to resolve existing debt.

The council meets 6 p.m. at City Hall, 447 N. Main Street.

“We’re able to do this and maintain the same tax rate.”

— City Financial Officer Sarah Buckelew