The new fire station would have 4,608 square-feet of space, with enough room for two fire trucks. It would not normally be staffed and primarily used during emergency calls.  

The typical Elsmere Fire District tax bill is roughly $190 a year for a resident whose home is valued at $200,000 by the town of Bethlehem.

Although the Elsmere Fire District is borrowing $1.3 million to pay for the cost of what's being called its south station, John Brennan, chairman of the Elsmere Fire District, told the Spotlight newspaper that the bond issue would not raise fire district tax bills.

The $6.6 million capital improvement project was one of three approved by voters in May 2016. Nine-hundred and fifty thousand dollars was authorized by the council last year for the design improvements of the station.  

Located off Century Parkway near City Hall, Central Fire Station was constructed in 2001. Hawley said the building is experiencing some issues with the roof and windows, as well as some leakage into its walls. Some masonry needs to replaced as well.

However, within 120 days after the contract is signed, county officials may terminate the contract if they determine the property is not suitable for the fire station.

McAllen gifted the surplus firetruck and equipment to the State of Tamaulipas Civil Protection Regional Center in Reynosa. The truck seats six and can carry 500 gallons of water and is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons a minute at full capacity. Valued at $15,000, the truck has logged 111,717 miles for the city.  

Darling said this is the second firetruck exchange he can remember during his four-and-a-half years in office. The exchange is part of an interlocal agreement the two governments approved.

"The 1988 Grumman was a former Snap-On Tools truck that was converted by some of our EMA members in 2009 for fire service," said EMA Director Janice Hart, in the press release. "The 2003 Ford was built specifically as a fire truck by Central States Fire Apparatus of Lyons, South Dakota."

The Ford truck was purchased new by the East Alton Illinois Fire Department, and recently became available when their agency purchased a new truck.

In October, the Howard County Commissioners and the Howard County Council authorized the purchase of a replacement vehicle at a cost of up to $52,000.