Nacogdoches fire chief speaks on proposition passed to replace aging fire stations

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - November 7’s Bond Election was the first time in at least 60 years the City of Nacogdoches passed all propositions on the ballot.

Totaling about $43.9 million, Nacogdoches Mayor Randy Johnson said of the seven, proposition B for three new fire stations might take the longest to complete.

“There’s a lot of work that has to go into getting the bonds ready. We’ve got to buy the bonds first,” said Johnson.

While the city prepares to buy the bonds, Johnson said that citizens won’t see any changes to their pocketbook, or to the fire stations anytime soon.

“It can be an impact of three to five years before you see this totally impact your ad valorem tax. It’ll probably come in stages as we draw the bonds down,” said Johnson.

Proposition B totaled $16,730,00 in funding, that Fire Chief Mike Brown said will help the department better serve Nacogdoches.

“Some of our stations aren’t currently where they optimally need to be in terms of response time and districts and that kind of thing. So, being able to locate those in a more modern setting will increase that level of service for us,” said Brown.

The proposition will replace three of the four Nacogdoches fire stations.

Station 5 and Station 2 will share a location, Station 3 will be moved north, along with Station 1. Brown said after years of operating out of outdated buildings, he’s glad the community saw the need for change.

“To be able to have the opportunity to design a modern, fully functional, safe, properly located fire station is just phenomenal,” said Brown.

Chief Brown said that once plans are underway the department will be redesigning their response protocols and districts to ensure a smooth transition.

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