Heath will get two new Department of Public Safety (DPS) stations instead of one, and both are on track to open by spring 2027 without exceeding the bond-funded budget.

The city confirmed in a project update posted Tuesday, Sept. 29 that Station 30, at 300 Chris Cuny Blvd., and Station 31, at 1284 FM 740, are moving toward completion on schedule and within budget. The $30 million bond issued by the Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation in 2023 funded both stations along with a Public Works facility and the renovation of Towne Center Park, all without increasing the tax rate.

The construction contract for the two stations totals $15 million: $10,293,350 for Station 30 and $4,706,650 for Station 31, according to April 14 City Council records.

Originally, the bond budget covered only one station. Building on city-owned land cut costs enough to fund a second facility.

"These two stations will allow DPS to move out of the City Hall Building," Mayor Jeremiah McClure said at the Aug. 25 City Council meeting, noting the project delivered two stations within the bond amount.

Station 30 will serve as the department's headquarters. It will house DPS administration, criminal investigations, property and evidence, the school resource officer unit, an emergency operations center, and a training room. The station will also hold Brush Truck 30 and a future Ladder 30.

Station 31, the smaller of the two, will house operational staff along with Engine 31 and a reserve engine.

As of the Aug. 25 council meeting, Station 30 was 21.65% complete, with site grading finished and utilities underway. Station 31 was further along at 38.56%, with its building slab poured and fire lane paving done.

Station 31 did receive a 36-day schedule extension after crews hit unexpected subsurface conditions during pier drilling. That pushed its substantial completion to late April 2027. An exterior finish package of Spanish Cobble brick, Grey Mist board and batten, stone accent and a standing-seam metal roof was approved at the Aug. 20 owner-architect-contractor meeting.

Earlier council records from a June 23 meeting listed an August 2027 target for Station 30. The city's current project page lists spring 2027 for both stations.

Grossman Design-Build holds the design-build contract. The city engaged AGCM as its owner representative overseeing design and construction.

Once complete, both stations will free DPS from its current quarters inside Heath City Hall.