WARSAW — The 2017 proposed budget and plans for Station 3 were the focus of the monthly meeting for the Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Territory Board Tuesday afternoon, July 5.

Fire Chief Mike Wilson stated Martin Riley Architects have taken another look at the project, at the request of the city and its engineer, to make the project the most cost effective and feasible for the community. Preliminary estimates are the project has been cut from $4.3-$4.4 million to $3.1-$3.3 million. Among the cuts was reducing the station from three bays to two bays.

Wilson presented the Station 3 project approach by the architects. This project approach is broken down into five phases, giving a time line for each phase to take place. It is projected the schematic design will be complete by July 26, with the design development complete between Aug. 23 and Sept. 6. Bidding is anticipated to occur between Nov. 15-Dec. 13, with the construction to completed by Dec. 13, 2017.

Wilson will be working with individuals to receive budget estimates prior to budget presentations in August.
It was stated in addition to the two bays, the living quarters and office space has been redesigned with separate quarters for firefighters and EMS personnel. There will be room to house an ambulance at the new station. Meetings have been held with Lutheran Hospital and Lutheran EMS. The goal is to make the facility as accessible to the township as possible. Additionally, the design incorporates a 30-year station or longer. There will be room to add on to the station in the future if necessary.

The board did give its consensus to proceed with the new preliminary design.

Turning toward the proposed budget for 2017, the addition of firefighters to staff Station 3, and a proposed debt service cost were included. Also included was new equipment for the new fire vehicle and the purchase of life safety vests for firefighters. These vests are similar to those worn by law enforcement to go over a firefighter’s gear. The vests will protect firefighters from weapon attacks from a patient. Several area departments currently use such vests.

The initial proposed budget calls for a 10.93 percent increase over the 2016 budget in the operating fund totals. This increase includes personnel, supplies, professional services, communication and transportation, printing and advertising, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance and capital outlays. The proposed 2017 budget is $4,544.413 compared to the 2016 budget of $4,096,808.

The proposed equipment replacement fund totals decreased by 27.56 percent from $1,050,546 to $760,913. No truck replacements are being considered. The debt service fund is proposed to increase 150.61 percent. This includes an estimated $498,313 debt service for the new station. However, this figure was based on the original $4.3 million project.

An overview of the department’s 2017 portion of its five-year plan was also given to board members for review. A closer look at the budget will be made at the August meeting.

During other business board members approved the new hiring of Quinten Stamper and Joel Shilling as firefighters.