News Release: City of Hibbing’s plan to invest in our first responders and public safety services 9/9/2024

The City of Hibbing serves as a regional public safety hub. As our residents, community, and region rely on these essential public services, it is important to continue investing in our fire and police departments.

The recommended square footage to effectively house the Hibbing Police Department and Hibbing Fire Department in the same building is roughly 65,000 sq ft. The below conceptual rendering shares one of the potential layout options on about 63,000 sq ft. If this design is chosen, the new facility could be attached to the current Public Works Building or stand alone on a different, to be determined, open plot of land.

Key features of the new facility include:

• -A safe, healthy work environment

• -Larger bays for firetrucks and tactical gear

• -Indoor parking for police vehicles and squads

• -Dedicated locker rooms for police and fire personnel

• -Dedicated space for evidence storage

• -Designated storage for equipment 

• -Expanded training space

• -Improved collaboration among departments

• -Direct access to main roads

• -Adequate parking for public safety staff and visitors

After nearly three years of evaluating options to address the needs of our public safety departments and best support our community, the city developed the “Your Safety, Our Priority” plan to invest in a new public safety center that would bring all first responder departments under one roof. 

On November 5, 2024, the city will ask voters to consider a half-percent local sales tax that would finance up to $19.6 million in bonds to help pay for this project. Because this is an important community decision, this website was created to provide Hibbing residents with information and resources about the project so they can make an informed vote on or before November 5. 

You can reach out to the city with any questions or feedback using the link, https://www.yoursafetyourpriority.org/connect