Check Out Our Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About the Challenges Facing the Current Police and Fire Stations
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After decades of heavy use, Owatonna’s police and fire stations face serious health, safety and structural problems that make it harder for first responders to deliver the emergency services residents rely on. The Fire Station was built in 1906 and hasn’t been significantly updated in nearly 30 years. The Police Department operates out of a nearly 60-year-old building that was originally a commercial bank. These facilities were never designed for how police and fire services work today.
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The police station was built as a bank, and banking and police operations have very little in common. Key problems include:
The building does not have secure holding spaces or a secure garage to safely bring people in custody into the station and safely separate from staff and the public.
There is not enough private space for sensitive conversations with victims, witnesses and families. Visitors must walk through staff and public areas to reach interview rooms.
Evidence storage is far from the building entrance, forcing officers to spend extra time moving materials instead of doing essential police work.
There is no dedicated training and limited open space for hands-on defensive tactics training. Officers currently train in a former bank vault, limiting their ability to prepare for real-life situations.
The station has ongoing water leaks, aging heating, plumbing and cooling systems, failing windows and a roof near the end of its useful life.
The facility lacks quiet areas for officers to decompress after stressful situations. Locker rooms, fitness areas and restrooms are too small for current staffing levels and are located in the basement with limited natural light.
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The Fire Station was built in 1906 and designed for a very different era. While it’s a valued community landmark, it no longer meets today’s needs. Key problems include:
The station lacks space for today’s larger fire trucks and equipment. Trucks have limited room to move and gear must be stored in truck bays.
The building lacks proper spaces to clean gear or remove harmful smoke and chemicals after a fire. Gear is currently stored near fire trucks, where it’s exposed to exhaust and other contaminants — increasing long-term health risks for firefighters.
The training room areas are too small for larger groups and need technology upgrades. Some training takes place in the basement using makeshift props.
The building doesn’t provide enough space for firefighters to rest, recover or stay during long shifts.
The 120-year-old building requires increasing repairs simply to stay operational. Aging electrical and heating systems, frequent water leaks and building materials at the end of their useful life lead to higher costs and disruptions.
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Even with major, costly renovations, the current facilities would still fall short. They were never designed for how police and fire services work today. Retrofitting older buildings cannot solve the problems created by aging structures with inefficient layouts and limited space. Costs would also continue to rise over time as maintenance needs grow.
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These challenges affect not only the dedicated first responders who work in these buildings every day, but also the quality and speed of emergency services residents rely on. Outdated building layouts, limited space for equipment and aging facilities can all slow emergency response times when every second matters.
Questions About the Plan
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Based on years of study, the City Council put forward a long-term plan to strengthen public safety by building:
A new Police Department on the West Hills Campus
A new Fire Station at the current Law Enforcement Center site
Because the City already owns both properties, the projects can move forward without the added costs and extra time needed to buy new land.
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After more than two years of study, the plan to build two separate stations was determined to be the most responsible and cost-effective option because it:
Meets the different needs of police and fire — separate buildings allow each to be designed with the right layout, training space and safety features for each department.
Protects fast emergency response times — the sites are strategically located to support the fastest response times across Owatonna.
Uses City-owned land — there is no need to buy additional property, which lowers overall costs and avoids impacting homes or businesses.
Meets long-term needs — the new stations will be designed to serve the community for 50 years or more.
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The West Hills Campus was identified as the best long-term location because it provides the space and flexibility needed for a modern police facility while supporting efficient access across the community. The City purchased the campus in 1974 with the long-term vision of creating a centralized hub for City services. Building the police department there supports that vision while meeting modern public safety needs.
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The current site was identified as the best location for a new fire station because it provides a centralized location for fast emergency response. For fire services, even a few minutes can make a major difference during an emergency, which is why a central location is critical.
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For emergency services, even a few minutes can make a major difference. Centrally located facilities help first responders reach emergencies quickly and reliably across the community. Station location also plays an important role in Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, which can affect property insurance costs for residents and businesses.
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Yes. The Public Safety Task Force spent more than six months evaluating sites across Owatonna. The review focused on emergency response times, geographic coverage, use of City-owned land, responsible use of taxpayer dollars and future flexibility. While each site offered certain advantages, the selected locations best met the City’s priorities. Visit the Plan Page to learn more about the site review process.
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Yes. Because the campus is in a historic district, the City is working closely with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Minnesota law requires consultation with SHPO for projects in historic districts, and the City began that coordination process in January 2026. Planning efforts are focused on balancing preservation of the site’s historic character with the need to provide safe, modern public safety facilities.
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City leaders have spent several years studying Owatonna’s public safety needs, and the message is clear: the longer we wait, the more these projects will cost — and the harder it will be for police and firefighters to do their jobs safely and effectively. The current stations keep aging, construction costs increase over time, and neither station was built for how police and fire teams work today.
Questions About the Process
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City leaders have been studying City-wide facility needs since 2019, including public safety facilities. The process has included building assessments, cost estimates, site reviews, task force work and public engagement over several years.
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Key milestones include:
2019–2021: The City completed its first full assessment of all City-owned building conditions, including cost estimates for repairs and building walkthroughs with City staff and Council members.
2022: A Facilities Steering Committee was created to review options and guide next steps.
2024: A Public Safety Task Force was formed with City staff, police and fire leaders, Council members and technical experts. The City Council approved funding for the next step of planning.
2025: The Task Force reviewed site options, toured public safety facilities in peer communities, developed scenarios and compared costs. Based on this work, the City Council put forward its plan.
2026: The City Council approved a bonding limit of $65 million, allowing planning to continue. Council did not approve any construction or spending. Council continues to receive design updates from project team.
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A Public Safety Task Force made up of City staff, police and fire department leaders, Council members and technical experts has guided the process. The City has also worked with outside advisors and state agencies.
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Yes. The City has hosted public open houses, conducted a community survey, shared updates through Council meetings, study sessions, social media and online resources. The City is committed to keeping residents informed throughout the process.
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On April 2, 2026, a group of residents filed a petition asking that the plan be put to a public vote. At its April 21 meeting, the City Council confirmed the petition met requirements under Minnesota law. On June 16, the City Council authorized a referendum for the November 2026 election.
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The City has moved into a more detailed planning phase. This includes developing initial building designs, updating cost estimates, working with project partners and reviewing possible construction timelines. The City is also coordinating with the State Historic Preservation Office regarding the West Hills site.
Questions About the Cost
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Current estimates place the total cost of the project at $61.5 million, with a bonding limit of $65 million. That means the costs cannot go beyond the $65 million cap. The estimate covers construction of both facilities, site preparation, equipment, technology, safety features, design, engineering and other project costs.
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After studying a range of options, the City determined that anything less than $61.5 million would sacrifice essential features — such as private interview rooms for victims and suspects at the police station.
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The City evaluated renovation and expansion options for both buildings. In many cases, renovation costs approached the cost of building new while still leaving significant limitations. For example:
A remodel of the police station would cost about $29 million — roughly 82% of the $35.5 million cost for a new facility.
A remodel of the fire station would cost about $19.5 million — roughly 75% of the $26 million cost for a new facility.
A joint facility remodel would cost about $52.5 million — roughly 97% of the $54 million cost for a new combined building.
In facility planning, when renovation costs exceed about 60% of the cost of building new, it is wise to evaluate whether renovating the existing facility is worth the investment compared to the cost of new construction.
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If approved by voters, the City would issue bonds to finance the projects, supported through a property tax levy beginning with taxes payable in 2027. Based on current assumptions, the bonds would be repaid over approximately 20 years.
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Yes. The City has created a tax calculator to help residents estimate their potential tax impact. Final tax impacts have not yet been determined and would be established through the City’s formal approval process.
Questions About Voting
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Owatonna voters will decide whether to approve the City’s plan to strengthen public safety by building new police and fire stations that will serve the community for decades to come.
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The vote on whether to approve Owatonna’s plan to build new police and fire stations will take place on November 3, 2026, as part of the general election.
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Yes. Early in-person voting is available from Friday, September 18 through Monday, November 2 at the Steele County Elections Office, 630 Florence Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060.
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Yes. You can request a ballot online or through the County elections office, complete it at home and return it by mail or in person at the Steele County Elections Office. Your ballot must be received by Election Day (Tuesday, November 3) to be counted.
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On Tuesday, November 3, Owatonna residents can vote in-person at their regular polling place between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
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Explore this website, including the Resources page [insert link], where you can find a Fact Sheet, Council meeting recordings and more. You can also submit questions directly using the connect form.