Goose Creek approves $7.53 million contract to build Fire Station 4

Goose Creek City Council on March 11 approved a $7,534,846 contract with Jay Davis Construction to build Fire Station 4, authorizing the city to begin site work once remaining trees are removed.

Council approved the construction contract during its regular meeting after staff described the project and confirmed permits are in place. Mrs. Ziegler, the staff member presenting the item, said the city has the funding available and that the contract will allow the city to move forward with construction.

The mayor framed the project as long-running. “When this started, we thought it would be $3,500,000 ish. It is not. As you can see, it is now $7,500,000,” Mayor Gregory Essobied said during the discussion. City officials said the increase reflects design choices and rising costs; the mayor noted the city obtained additional support from other governmental partners to cover the higher price.

Council members who moved and seconded the motion — Councilman TCAC (mover) and Councilman Harmon (second) — called the question and the council voted in favor by voice vote.

City staff said construction is anticipated to take about 370 days from the start of work. Council and staff indicated a formal groundbreaking will be scheduled after trees are removed from the site to provide a safe area for a ceremony.

The contract awards Jay Davis Construction responsibility for building the new station; the staff presentation indicated all permits are ready and that the station is intended to place apparatus nearer to growing service areas in the city.

The council treated the item as a contract award and did not add conditions to alter scope or budget during the meeting. Implementation timing beyond the noted tree removal and standard permitting steps was not specified.

The vote concluded the formal approval; staff will now proceed with pre-construction work and scheduling.