Far fewer people voted in Wheatland on a binding resolution to authorize funding for firehouse construction than voted in a non-binding referendum in February seeking support to build a new station.
But, the result was the same. Their answer was “no.” This time, by a larger margin.
In February, 426 residents, or 58%, voted against a plan to spend up to $3.8 million to build a new firehouse, and 308, or 42%, voted yes. That vote was held in conjunction with the spring primary. It was tied to a specific plan to build a new, eight-bay firehouse and had the support of Fire Chief Lou Denko.
On Aug. 10, 282 qualified electors cast a vote at a special meeting held at Wheatland Center School. This time it was a binding question seeking support to spend up to $2.5 million to address firehouse space needs. It was not tied to a specific plan, though the most recent plan considered is an addition to the existing station that Denko does not support. It failed by a two-to-one margin, 186-96.