Laurens County Council viewed a presentation on plans for renovations of rural fire stations around the county at last evening’s meeting. County Fire Services Director Greg Lindley’s presentation outlined the need for $881,608 for fire station repairs. Due to the amount of station repairs needed, Lindley requested the hiring of a maintenance technician that could be funded by moving funds from the reserve back to the operating budget. The current reserve fund balance is $1,094,598.71.
Lindley also outlined the need of new fire stations as county government attempts to get a fire station within five miles of all property in Laurens County. Construction of new fire stations for serving the Waterloo, Ekom, Hickory Tavern, Youngs, Mountville and Gray Court fire coverage areas was estimated at $1,460,000.00.
Lindley also stressed that the Youngs Substation is in need of immediate replacement.
Greg Lindley also requested the county build a substation in the Fountain Inn Contract Area which he said would help lower insurance rates there. The contract with the Fountain Inn Fire Department to cover that rural area this year totals $205,493.65. Lindley said the operating budget for the proposed station would be $202,383. He noted that does not include the price of the building and new equipment.
Lindley reported to council last night that additional apparatus needed for county fire stations is estimated at $1,190,00, which brings the total money needed for from the sale of binds to $3,531,608.00.
No vote on the matter was taken last night. Council is to have a bond attorney on hand to discuss various options for a new bond issue for fire coverage improvements.