The Indianapolis City-County Council approved a proposal for $15 million in bonds Monday night to give the Indianapolis Fire Department a new training facility.
IFD has not had its own training facility in 40 years.
Council President Vopp Osili says now is the perfect time to build a facility -- planned for the Twin Aire neighborhood on the city's southeast side.
“One, we own the property, so it’s now in the possession of the city and the county," Osili says. "And then two, the tax rate made available next year will allow us to finance it. So the timing is very appropriate.”
The training facility will include a three-story live burn structure and a fire training tower. IFD currently rents space at the Emergency Services Education Center in Wayne Township. The council approved the proposal unanimously.
Monday night was also the public comment opportunity for the 2020 city budget. While some expected a later night, only two people spoke. They both gave positive input.