During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing remodel of the living quarters at Station 4, highlighting the need for additional funding due to unforeseen challenges. The initial budget of $15,000 has been exhausted, primarily due to unexpected requirements such as spray foam insulation and the inability to reuse some existing walls, which necessitated extensive exterior painting and repairs.

The team, primarily composed of firefighters, acknowledged their lack of professional estimating experience, which contributed to discrepancies between the initial estimates and actual costs. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to completing the majority of the remodel themselves to minimize contractor expenses. They are currently seeking quotes for drywall installation and drop ceiling work, with some contractors expressing willingness to assist them in the process.

To complete the project, the team is requesting an additional $45,000 from the Station Forest flush fund, bringing the total projected cost of the remodel to $60,000 for the 1,600 square feet area. This translates to approximately $37.50 per square foot, significantly lower than typical renovation costs, which can range from $60 to over $150 per square foot for full gut renovations.

In addition to the remodel funding, discussions also touched on the need for $11,125 for heating and air conditioning, potentially raising the total project cost to between $70,000 and $75,000. Officials confirmed that ARPA funds could cover these additional expenses, although the exact amount available remains to be clarified.

The team expressed confidence in managing the remodel within the requested budget and emphasized their commitment to using funds wisely. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions, indicating ongoing transparency and collaboration in the project’s execution.