Excerpts from wrex.com:
The Rockford Fire Department says Station 1 is just one of several that has been around for decades.
“Some of the buildings are from the ’20s and goes through the ’50s and ’60s,” Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten says.
From old air conditioning systems to a leaking roof and a water system that seems to back up, the department says it’s time for some of these facilities to get a face lift. One of the key improvements it wants to make is revamping it’s layout to make sure the station is all on one level.
But, the City of Rockford says it’s facing a $10.2 million shortfall without any capitol improvements like the fire department needs. However, Mayor Tom McNamara says updating some Rockford Fire stations isn’t off the table. A proposal with capitol improvements would cost the city an extra $2 million next year alone.
At the end of the day, RFD says it’s all about providing their crews a suitable environment to work in.
The city has until March 31 to approve a budget.
