Hutto City Council recently directed the Hutto Economic Development Corporation to move forward with a new fire station near the Hutto Megasite.
The overview
The new station aims to enhance fire protection in one of Hutto’s fastest-growing areas.
"Hutto Economic Development Corporation recognizes that strong public infrastructure is just as important as any economic development initiative we undertake,” Caitlin Morales, vice chair of the HEDC, said in a press release. “This investment ensures that as Hutto grows, our residents and businesses are protected."
After Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 had previously declined the HEDC’s land offer for a fire station, the city and HEDC chose to move forward independently, according to the release.
"The city of Hutto is committed to being proactive when it comes to public safety and the support of our first responders,” Mayor Mike Snyder said. “This is a crucial time for Hutto and this investment will help Hutto serve its taxpayers for the next big chapter of our growth story. This is the right investment at the right time for Hutto."
Dig deeper
Snyder cited the city’s rapid growth for the decision to move forward with establishing its own fire department. He said that as cities expand, it is common for local governments to take over fire services from ESDs, which were originally intended for rural areas.
“It's just a natural progression. Cities get bigger and can take that on,” Snyder said. “I think the feeling is that we're at a point, and we've grown big enough that we can handle that department.”
Under the approved plan, the HEDC will help fund the project, Snyder said.
Leaders with the emergency services district expressed some concerns over the decision, stating in a press release that “the district does not understand the decision to create a duplicate fire protection system alongside” its existing service.
Snyder said he does not believe the efforts are redundant because there is no fire station in the area where they plan to build, with the nearest one being four miles away.
“You could make the argument that we're all working for the people to make them the safest and to provide fire service,” Snyder said. “My hope is that the ESD helps us establish our fire department because we're all supposed to be working together for the citizens of Hutto.”
What happens next?
The measure that was approved allows the HEDC to start the process of buying the land. No firm timeline for the city to build the new station is in place, but Snyder said the design process should take around three months, and he anticipates construction beginning in the fall.
In the press release, ESD 3 leaders expressed that their focus remains on the safety of the community.
“Our firefighters, command staff, and leadership team care deeply about this community,” Todd Robison, president of the WCESD No. 3 Board of Commissioners, stated in the press release. “We are constantly planning ahead to make sure Hutto families and businesses continue receiving the high level of service they deserve as this community grows.”
