The Taylor Fire Department might have a recourse in making sure Taylor remains safe amidst a changing community.
On Jan. 27, the Taylor City Council will consider approving a contract regarding a fire services master plan. The contract would be with Citygate Associate, LLC, for $68,109.
The Taylor Fire Department has maintained a constant staffing and deployment model for more than 20 years. However, according to the city’s analysis, that model is reaching its limits as the community grows in population and scale. The analysis also indicates that the fire department is not currently staffed or equipped to handle new hazards likely to be brought from the future Samsung Austin Semiconductor plant and other heavy industrial use coming to the city.
As a result, city staff say the time has come to reassess their capabilities and prepare for the future.
A fire services master plan would evaluate the city’s capabilities compared to national standards and in regards to growth. The plan would guide future decisions on staffing, fire station location, equipment needs and service levels provided.
The funding would come the development review reimbursement agreement between the city and Samsung, in which the city would reimburse the costs.
In other business, the council is scheduled to:
• consider the 2022 fiscal year work plan and budget for the Public Arts Advisory Board;
• consider appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission; and
• enter into executive session regarding potential litigation regarding platting requirements in the Taylor extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The council meeting will commence at 6 p.m. at city hall, 400 Porter St., in the council chamber. Those who wish to share their thoughts and comments, which are limited to three minutes, should sign up no later than 5:45 p.m.
The council agenda and live video stream of the meeting can be found on the city website at http://www.taylortx.gov.
