City to hold special meeting on Wednesday to discuss future of fire station; new officers sworn in at April 1 meeting
The Breckenridge City Commission will hold a special called meeting beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, to further discuss issues regarding the Breckenridge fire station.
At the April 1 City Commission meeting, there was a lengthy discussion among the commissioners – with input from firefighters and other community members – about whether or not to tear down the current fire station.
Everyone seemed in agreement that the Breckenridge Fire Department needs a new facility, but the fate of the 102-year-old building that currently houses the fire department – except for the living quarters – is being debated. Some would prefer that the old building be demolished and a new building constructed in the same spot. Others would like to save the old building and locate a new fire station in a different place.
The April 16 meeting will be open to the public. Anyone who plans to speak at the beginning of the meeting will need to fill out a public comment form and turn it in to the City Secretary before the meeting starts. Click here to see the meeting’s agenda.
April 1 meeting
Also at the April 1 meeting, the City Commission welcomed two new police officers, announced that the city is fully staffed for the first time in years, and approved economic incentives for two businesses.
Police officers Elena Arellano and Jeffrey Branch took their oath of office administered by City Secretary Jessica Sutter.
“Officer Arellano, this is her first assignment as a peace officer, and Officer Branch has been with other units, but this is his first time with us,” Police Chief Blake Johnson said.
Breckenridge Fire Chief Malcom Bufkin, right, presents firefighter Bret Chaney with the City of Breckenridge Employee of of the Month certificate. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
The meeting also included the recognition of Bret Chaney, who was named Employee of the Month by the fire department. Fire Chief Malcolm Bufkin praised Chaney’s dedication to the Breckenridge Fire Department’s facility improvements.
“During these last few months, we’ve been working real hard on that building over there, just getting stuff cleaned out, moved in, and Bret has been very instrumental in helping,” Bufkin said. “…he’s come in on his days off and worked, just to help make this happen, you know, after hours, on the weekend, he’s put in a lot of effort. He is what our core values should be.”
City Manager Cynthia Northrop announced that Breckenridge is “fully staffed, for the first time in a long time.” The city has hired Kegan Burns as Public Works Director starting April 21. Northrop also recognized the Disc Golf Association of Breckenridge for donating money to update disc golf signs at the City Park.
Commissioners approved two economic incentive packages recommended by the Breckenridge Economic Development Corp. They will offer an incentive to Fielden Aero to aid their relocation to the Stephens County Airport. Stephens County is leasing a hangar to them and is waiving rent for the first year. The BEDC will cover the second year of rent. To qualify for the full rent reimbursement, the company must maintain a payroll of $250,000 for the second year
Another incentive package was approved for Soggy Dog Wine and Brew, which Northrop described as “a great addition to Breckenridge.” The package includes a forgivable loan and grant. The $60,000 loan’s annual payments may be forgiven if payroll is at least $250,000 per year for the next five years. The grant factors in five years of increased property tax and sales tax collections and will be for $68,710. The BEDC will also give a start-up incentive at door opening in the amount of $10,000.
The commission also:
- Approved a property replat at 612 and 614 West Wheeler into a single lot
- Approved the Aquatic Center’s 2025 operations plan starting Memorial Day weekend
- Endorsed the upcoming Frontier Days celebration for May 2-3
- Updated ordinances to establish minimum fines for code violations
Cutline, top photo: Breckenridge City Secretary Jessica Sutter, right, swears in new police officers Elena Arellano and Jeffrey Branch, while Police Chief Black Johnson and Sgt. Justin Shockley look on. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
