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Buncombe County approves $8.4 million EMS East Station construction contract
Summary
Commissioners accepted the apparent low bid from Carolina Specialties Construction and authorized the county manager to execute the contract for a new standalone EMS facility adjacent to Owen Pool; construction is expected to begin Oct. 20, 2025, and run about 14 months.
Robert Brown of Buncombe County General Services asked the board to approve the EMS East Station construction contract, presenting the facility plan, bidder information and schedule.
Brown said the project is a standalone, fully electric EMS facility of about 12,214 square feet with three equipment bays (able to shelter six vehicles), up to 12 on-site beds, offices, a watch room and medical-supply storage. He said the county is pursuing LEED Gold certification and will build a small replacement parking lot for the adjacent Owen Pool.
Brown reported three firms bid on July 31. He identified Carolina Specialties Construction as the apparent low, responsible bidder with a base bid of $8,407,908. He said the board previously approved the budget increase needed, so no additional funding was required for this award.
Brown described operations plans: the station will initially house one ambulance, a community paramedic unit and one supervisor, operate 24/7 and is expected to improve response times in the area. He gave a proposed construction timeline beginning with a notice to proceed on Oct. 20, 2025, an approximate 14-month construction schedule and commissioning and move-in in the months after construction completes.
Commissioner Horton moved to approve the resolution accepting the bid and authorizing the county manager to execute the contract; Commissioner Whitesides seconded. The motion carried on an affirmative voice vote.
The board and staff noted that the contract amount had not increased since the previously approved budget amendment, which Brown described as welcome news given market volatility. Brown also said enhanced systems commissioning tied to LEED Gold requirements adds a typically two-month extended commissioning period after construction.
