AVOCA, IOWA — Officials with the City of Avoca are proudly announcing the completion and opening of the new Avoca Fire & Rescue Station, a modern emergency response facility designed to serve the community and surrounding region for generations to come. Following occupancy certification on March 27, 2026, the new station at 1313 N. Sawmill Drive is now fully operational and houses all fire and rescue operations under one roof for the first time in the department’s history. (Photo & graphics submitted)
City officials say the project represents more than a new building — it is a long-term investment in public safety, volunteer support, regional emergency response, and responsible financial planning. Fire Chief Drew Becker said in a news release, “This facility was built for the future. It’s a great site with room for training, expanded operations, and a designated helipad area for emergency medical transport if needed. The process was long, but everybody is excited and ready for it.”
The approximately $3.5 million project includes modern apparatus bays, training and meeting space, overnight sleeping quarters, storm-safe areas, energy-efficient building systems, radiant floor heating, and expanded emergency response capabilities designed to support the department’s next 100 years of service.
The City utilized a strategic “pay-as-we-grow” financing model to complete the project while intentionally limiting additional tax burden on local property owners. General Obligation (GO) Bonds were issued to finance the construction of the facility, with repayment of the bond obligations primarily supported through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues generated from increased property valuations resulting from community growth, new development, redevelopment, and reinvestment activities throughout Avoca.
To further protect the City’s operating budget and reduce reliance on property taxes, Franchise Fee revenues are being utilized to help stabilize and support the General Fund. This layered financing approach allowed the City to invest in critical long-term public safety infrastructure without financing the project through direct property tax increases. In fact, the City’s FY2027 property tax levy rate decreased by approximately one point while still supporting this major community investment.
Avoca City Administrator Shawna Silvius said “This project demonstrates how rural communities can responsibly invest in critical infrastructure while remaining fiscally disciplined. We intentionally structured this financing model to support long-term public safety needs, capture growth to help fund the investment, stabilize our operating budget, and avoid placing unnecessary additional burden on our residents and property taxpayers.”
Planning for the facility began more than 15 years ago as local leaders and volunteers recognized the limitations of operating out of the existing City Hall facility. Groundbreaking was held April 21, 2025, with construction completed less than a year later. To celebrate this important community milestone, the City of Avoca invites residents, regional partners, neighboring departments, elected officials, and the public to attend a Community Celebration on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Community Celebration Schedule
Avoca Fire & Rescue Public Safety Station
- Open House: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Official Hose Uncoupling Ceremony: 11:30 AM
- Facility Tours, Refreshments & Community Fellowship Throughout the Afternoon
Street Dance Fundraiser
- 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- S. Elm Street between W. High Street & Lyon Street
- Food Trucks, Entertainment & Beverages
The celebration provides an opportunity for the community to tour the facility, recognize the volunteers and partners who helped make the project possible, and officially welcome a new era of fire and rescue service in Avoca.
