County council approves bid for fire station

The Laurens County Council approved a contract with Medlin Builders of Enoree to construct the new Thompson Road Fire Station Tuesday night.

The contract is not to exceed $531,000 but Laurens County Fire Services Director Greg Lindley assured council members that the design-to-build project will come insignificantly under that number.

“I’m very confident that we can come in under $531,000,” Lindley said.

The 4,600 square-foot building was originally budgeted at $400,000 when plans for it were initiated in 2013, but materials and labor have increased since that original budget, upping the potential cost to the higher figure.

Council voted 5-1 to approve the contract. Council member David Pitts was the only no vote.

“I can’t support the cost of the building at that cost,” Pitts said after breaking down the total to about $115 per square foot.

Lindley said moving the building slightly on the property could initially save about $50,000 in grading costs and other savings could be found as the project moves forward in order to get closer to the original $400,000 budget.

The Thompson Road Fire State will serve northern Laurens County, near Fountain Inn, which has previously provided fire coverage under a contract with Laurens County in the area.

The design for the new fire station includes a full kitchen, restrooms and sleeping quarters.