Council approves design phase for Fire Station 5

Hayes Worthington, center, was recognized by the City of Weatherford, for his win in Mutton Bustin at the recent Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The five-and-a-half year old scored a 97 on ride to claim the win and have Mar. 10, 2026 named in his honor in Weatherford. Shown are (from left) Weatherford City Manager James Hotopp, Mayor Paul Paschall, Worthington, and city council members Zack Smith …

Melissa Winn/The Community News

The cost is estimated at $170,000 and will be paid for using 2025 CO bonds.

Matt Leppla, Director of Public Works, said Fire Station 5 will be located at 5000 NE Ric Williamson Highway on a five-acre piece of land that was purchased in October 2022. The station will service the northern side of Weatherford. 

Additionally, the station will house a dedicated training facility with a standalone burn building. 

The contract with Grossman is split into two phases – one being the conceptual price range and design and the second being the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and construction. 

Phase I takes the conceptual design and converts it into civil and architectural plans that are ready for construction. This is expected to take about 150 days. 

Upon completion of Phase I, Grossman will then provide a GMP to the City for construction. This GMP is expected to fall between $8.3 million and $8.5 million for a fully functioning station, training facility, and separate ‘Burn Building’ for live, on-site training activities. 

Once established, the GMP will be brought forward for City Council approval. If approved, Phase II will be complete within 375 days. 

“It is important to note that the authorization of Phase I under this item does not obligate the City or City Council to proceed with Phase II,” Leppla explained. 

An expected timeline showed that if construction started in August 2026, the station would be completed in September 2027, barring any construction or weather delays. 

Council approved the measure unanimously. 

Additionally at the meeting, Council received a report from Scott McDonald, Director of Development Services, on the City’s General Plan and what it provides in regard to how Weatherford goes about approving growth for both business and residential areas. 

“[This document] is the bedrock and road map for Weatherford,” McDonald said as he held up the spiral-bound plan. “It shapes the why and our various master plans shape the how.”

Weatherford’s general plan was approved in January 2018 after extensive research and input from city staff and departments, community leaders, business owners, and residents. 

McDonald brought the report to council after a comment was made that many in the community are not aware of what Weatherford’s vision is for the city.

For more information and to view the plan, visit www.weatherfordtx.gov/generalplan.