Benefits from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) were evident when Fannin County commissioners approved two requests from Fire Chief Larry Thomas.
Thomas unveiled drawings for the new fire station in Epworth and presented a need for equipment to the Fannin County Board of Commissioners at their regular meeting Tuesday, February 28.
The fire chief presented the specifications for the new station in hopes of moving forward with soliciting bids for the project. Fire Station 5 will have three bays, a day room/training room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and ample overhead storage. The building will be all metal with a metal roof and equipped with central heat and air.
SPLOST dollars will be used to build the station at the intersection of Madola Road and Queen Road, replacing the current station farther out Queen Road.
The station is part of the county’s work as it seeks to reduce the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating from its current 5/5x to 4/4x. This would reflect a higher level of protection for citizens as well as having a positive effect on reducing homeowners insurance rates.
Commission Chairman Jamie Hensely said, “this will serve us for many years to come,” and commissioners unanimously approved moving forward with the bidding process.
Thomas also asked for $38,471 to update the turnout gear used by 17 members of the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews. Thomas said the purchases involved are necessary to keep the gear in compliance with standards.
Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase, with the funding coming from the SPLOST designated for Public Safety.