Andrews Set To Build New Fire Station To Accomodate Growing Population
By: Katiera Winfrey
Updated: February 15, 2013
City Manager Glen Hackler said, the vote was needed because it will be more financially beneficial for the city and better for volunteer fire workers.
Hackler said, the growing population and new multiple story buildings is pushing the fire departments capabilities to its limits. To combat that, the city is purchasing a ladder truck along with prepping for constructing the new fire station.
Before the vote the project was expected to cost about $1.5 million, but now that number will change.
"Approved tonight was an additional $500,000. Sales tax is running so well and so above budget that within three to four months this addition will actually be paid for just with additional sales tax collection," said Hackler.
The building was initially set to be built in stages, but with the new vote, the building will be done at once.
"It really brings together our entire safely facility rather than staging over a period of years," said Hackler.
As the plan to build the new station goes forward, fire emergency crews already have something to prep for the change: A new fire training facility.
"The firefighters are wanting to train on a facility where they'll know what they're doing and be safe about that," said Andrews Director of Community Service Scott Wallace.
Wallace said the training allows those volunteer firefighter a chance to practice battling multi-story, car and dumpster fire as well as practice with car rescue operations.
Hackler said the project despite the cost will go toward a good cause.
"We want to equip them and give them everything possible that keeps them safe and ultimately keeps our citizens safe."
The facility is set to be finished sometime before Labor Day and will cover about 14 square feet in size.
