State Money Arrives as Ladder Truck Hits a Height Snag
Marianna, Fla. - The Marianna City Commission approved an amendment to its Public Safety Building grant agreement after learning the city had secured an additional $995,000 in state funding for the project. The amendment raises the total grant amount and extends the completion deadline to June 30, 2027, although the building is still expected to be finished by March 2026. City staff explained that the funding came from a legislative appropriation awarded last year to support construction of the new police and fire station complex. Monies were also received from CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), HMGP (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program), Legislative Appropriation Fund, and USDA Funds.
During the discussion, commissioners were told that the project has run into an unexpected issue: the city’s ladder truck does not fit into the new fire station bay by approximately three to four inches. The discovery drew immediate reactions from the board, with several commissioners expressing disbelief. Architect Paul Donofro said the problem stems from plans drawn in 2018, before updated equipment dimensions were available. He noted that the station doors had not yet been ordered, which avoids additional cost on that component, but the concrete beam and masonry above the bay will need to be raised. The estimated cost is around $10,000, mostly due to upgrading from a 12-foot to a 14-foot door, a height now common in new fire stations as equipment sizes have increased.
City Manager William Long added that various solutions had been considered, even humorously mentioning letting air out of the truck’s tires, but the structural adjustment appears necessary unless the city opts to leave the ladder truck at its current station. Final cost figures are expected soon.
Despite the setback, Mayor Travis Ephriam said the additional $995,000 helps soften the blow. Long credited the city’s lobbyist, Patrick Bell, and multiple trips to Tallahassee for securing the appropriation. The amendment was approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Williams.
