Carlos Area Firehall Project

CARLOS AREA FIRE HALL PROJECT

Protecting Our Community Today. Preparing for Tomorrow.

The Carlos Joint Powers Authority is working with the City of Carlos, Carlos Township, and Belle River Township to address the needs of the Carlos Area Fire Department and determine the most responsible way to provide a safe, functional, and financially responsible fire hall for our community.

Proposed Project Cost

Approximately $2.66 Million

Maximum Bonding Authorization

Not to Exceed $2.8 Million

The Joint Powers Board intends to bond only what is necessary for the project. The $2.8 million authorization provides flexibility for changes in interest rates and financing costs as the project moves toward final bonding.

Why Do We Need a New Fire Hall?

The current Carlos Fire Hall was built in the 1970s and has reached the end of its useful life. Despite repairs and maintenance over the years, the building no longer adequately meets the operational, safety, and space needs of today's fire and emergency medical services.

The current facility has:

• Only 3 apparatus bays
• Limited room for firefighters to prepare for calls
• Emergency vehicles and equipment stored in 3 locations
• Some equipment stored in an unheated building
• Limited training space
• Limited space for hose drying and gear cleaning
• Inadequate equipment storage
• No dedicated firefighter decontamination area
• Structural and building concerns - currently held together with structural tie rods to keep the walls from collapsing in
• Mold concerns
• Limited parking
• Outdated infrastructure

By the Numbers

Carlos Township accounted for 80 medical calls and 12 fire calls in 2025.

Why Do We Have 13 Fire & Rescue Vehicles?

The department responds to many different types of emergencies, and different calls require different equipment.

The fleet includes vehicles used for:

• Fire suppression
• Medical emergencies
• Water supply
• Rescue operations
• Wildland/grass fires
• Mutual aid
• Other emergency response needs

Several vehicles have been obtained through grants or surplus programs, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, helping reduce the cost to local taxpayers.

Why not sell some of the vehicles?

The department continually evaluates its fleet as vehicles age and service needs change. Some vehicles may eventually be replaced or removed from service.

However, reducing the fleet by one or two vehicles would not eliminate the need for adequate space. Different emergencies require different vehicles and specialized equipment. Additionally, newer emergency apparatus are often larger because of updated safety standards and equipment requirements.

The goal of the proposed facility is not to grow the fleet. It is to safely and efficiently house the vehicles and equipment the department currently needs.

What Is Being Proposed?

The current design is approximately 11,000 square feet and includes:

5 Apparatus Bays

Enough space to accommodate the department's current operational needs.

Dedicated Decontamination Area

Space to clean turnout gear and equipment and reduce firefighter exposure to hazardous contaminants.

Equipment Storage

Proper storage for emergency equipment and vehicles.

Training Space

Space for firefighters to train and prepare for emergency response.

Meeting Space

A shared meeting area available for the department and neighboring townships.

Improved Workflow

A facility designed around how firefighters actually prepare, respond, return, clean equipment, and prepare for the next call.

The proposed facility is intended to meet current building, fire, accessibility, and OSHA requirements.

Why Is Decontamination Space Important?

Firefighters can be exposed to hazardous contaminants during and after fires. These contaminants can remain on turnout gear and equipment.

A dedicated decontamination area provides space to clean equipment and helps reduce the spread of contaminants throughout the station and into firefighters' homes.

The proposed facility includes dedicated space for this purpose.

Why Can't We Just Remodel the Current Fire Hall?

The current building has significant structural, accessibility, and operational limitations.

Even with continued repairs, remodeling would not solve all of the underlying problems, including:

• Insufficient apparatus space - trucks are stacked and parked bumper to bumper
• Equipment being stored in multiple locations
• Lack of adequate training space
• Lack of decontamination space
• Outdated building infrastructure

The existing building also cannot be expanded to provide the space needed for today's fire service operations, due to being adjecent to other property, streets and an alley. 

Why This Location?

The City of Carlos has a 99-year lease with Independent School District 206 for the property.

The property provides:

• Approximately 5 acres
• Existing utilities
• Adequate space for apparatus maneuvering
• Parking
• Space for the proposed fire hall

The site was also considered approximately 20 years ago as a potential location for a fire hall.

What happens if the school district eventually needs the property?

The lease contains specific provisions protecting the City's improvements.

If the school district terminates the lease during the first 30 years because it needs the property for school expansion, the lease provides that the City is entitled to payment equal to the replacement cost of the tenant's improvements. After 30 years, the provision changes to the then-current fair market value of the improvements.

PROJECT COST & TAX IMPACT

Current Projected Cost

$2.66 Million

The Joint Powers Board has worked to substantially reduce the scope and cost of the project from the original concept.

Original concept

Approximately $7 million

Current projected project

Approximately $2.66 million

Maximum bonding authorization

$2.8 million

The $2.8 million is a maximum authorization—not a commitment to borrow $2.8 million. The JPA intends to bond only what is needed for the final project.

What Will It Cost Me?

The current projected total project cost is approximately $2.66 million. The Joint Powers Board is seeking authorization to levy up to $2.8 million, but the Board intends to bond only the amount necessary for the project.

Under the Joint Powers Agreement, Carlos Township is responsible for 75%, with the City of Carlos responsible for 15% and Belle River Township responsible for 10%.

Estimated Carlos Township Tax Impact

Based on a 20-year financing period, the estimated annual impact is:

How Is the Cost Shared?

The Joint Powers Agreement establishes the following cost-sharing formula:

Carlos Township — 75%

City of Carlos — 15%

Belle River Township — 10%

The cost-sharing formula applies to each participating entity’s share of the project. These percentages were established and agreed upon by the Joint Powers Board and are based on several factors, including the percentage of the overall fire coverage area, call allocation, estimated market value, and the tax capacity of real property.

What happens to ownership of the fire hall after the 20-year financing is complete?

The Joint Powers Board continues to discuss and work through the details of ownership and long-term management of the fire hall. While those details are still being finalized, the participating entities are currently in full agreement that this is a Carlos Area Fire Hall—not a fire hall owned for the benefit of one specific entity.

The JPA Board is working on formal language to ensure this shared purpose is clearly established in writing. The board is currently working well together and shares similar goals for the project and the future of the fire service.

There is no plan for one entity to take over ownership of the fire hall when the 20-year financing is complete. The board also recognizes that a fire hall will continue to require maintenance, repairs, and future improvements long after the financing is paid off. For that reason, the JPA Board has discussed the possibility of the JPA continuing beyond the 20-year financing period to provide ongoing collaboration and oversight of the facility and fire service.

What Happens If the Vote Is No?

A "no" vote would not eliminate the need to address the existing fire hall.

The current building continues to have the same operational and facility limitations.

If the proposed financing is not approved, the City of Carlos would need to explore other options for funding a new fire hall. Depending on the funding structure, this could change how costs are allocated among the communities receiving fire protection services.

The current JPA structure allows the participating communities to work together on the project, share input and share costs according to the existing agreement.

What Does This Project Mean for the Community?

This project is about more than a building.

It is about creating a facility that allows our volunteer firefighters to:

Respond efficiently.

Protect their health and safety.

Protect expensive emergency equipment.

Train effectively.

Keep emergency vehicles ready.

Serve our communities for decades to come.

Improved fire protection and response times can lead to a better ISO rating and lower property insurance premiums.

Community Information Meetings

Residents are encouraged to attend an informational meeting, ask questions, and learn more about the proposed project.

September 28

6:30 PM — Carlos Event Center

October 12

6:30 PM — Carlos Event Center

October 26

6:30 PM — Carlos Event Center

November Ballot

Carlos Township residents only, will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed levy authorization for the Carlos Area Fire Hall. This is a vote to Carlos Township, as they would be the bonding agent due to their tax capacity in comparison to the City of Carlos. 

Referendum Question:
Authorize a levy not to exceed $2.8 million for the construction of a new Carlos Area Fire Hall.

Residents are encouraged to review the project information, attend an informational meeting, ask questions, and make an informed decision.

Questions?

Carlos Joint Powers Authority meets twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Meetings are held at Carlos Town Hall at 6:30pm.  

Reach out to anyone on the board if you have any further questions. 

*UPDATED 9/9/2026 3:30 PM*

Carlos Area Firehall Design