The city of Palmview estimates that the population is close to 20,000 residents. The rapid growth is why Palmview is planning to build a new fire and EMS station on the south side of the city. 

The station will be built off of FM 492 and Marla Street on land donated to them by the La Joya Independent School District. The city says the total project cost is seven to eight million dollars, and it’s going to be paid back through borrowed fund through certificates of obligations.

Palmview City Manager Michael Leo says the 17,000 square foot fire and ems station is a must.

“We are literally saving lives, you cannot put a value on that,” Leo said. “We are reinvesting back into the community."

Leo says the fire department outgrew the current station on Showers Road because of new additions in staff and units.

“Instead of having two ambulances on shift, we are going to have three and that is to accommodate the growth because we don't just accommodate the city of Palmview,” Leo said. “We have the rural fire district, which covers parts of rural Hidalgo County."

In 2023, the city hired three firefighters. The city plans to hire three more firefighters this year, along with an EMS chief.

The total cost for all the extra staff is about $300,000 from the general fund. 

The city plans to break ground on the new station by the end of 2024.

The entire fire and EMS station is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

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