Fort Dodge Council to Vote on Land for Second Firehouse

The Fort Dodge City Council will vote tonight on the purchase of land intended for a second firehouse, a project spurred by a property tax increase approved by Webster County voters last year. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. At the Municipal Building, located at 819 First Ave. S.

The proposed site, in the 300 block of A Street near Avenue D, would be purchased from Eldon and Karen Rossow for $85,000. City funds allocated from the revenue generated by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) tax would cover the cost, according to city officials.

Plans for a second firehouse were initially announced following the March 2025 referendum, where Webster County residents approved a recent property tax dedicated to supporting emergency medical care. Proponents of the new station argue it will improve response times to the city’s west side and provide quicker access to U.S. Highway 169, facilitating faster ambulance service to rural areas of Webster County currently served by the Fort Dodge Fire Department.

Tonight’s council meeting will also include the initial steps toward adopting updated fire and building codes. The council is expected to consider the purchase of equipment for the Recreation and Public Areas departments and will review a contract for the demolition of two dilapidated buildings within the city.

The City Council regularly meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m. In the City Council Chambers at City Hall, with workshops often scheduled at 5:00 p.m. Or immediately following the regular meeting, according to the city’s website.