Lake Oswego narrows plan for South Shore fire station, drops community room to reduce bond cost

Lake Oswego — In a study session on Dec. 16, councilors signaled support for trimming the South Shore Fire Station project to lower a proposed bond cost while preserving operational capacity. Staff presented a conceptual design and a preliminary bond estimate of $21,230,229.

Assistant Fire Chief Chris Artman introduced the project team and told the council staff would be asking for direction on potential scope reductions. "After this session, we will be asking you for direction on potential scope reductions and continued work on the conceptual design and final bond cost," Artman said.

Project and costs: Architect Michael Scott described site constraints including residential setbacks, easements and a 20‑foot grade change that require retaining walls and foundation work. Owner’s‑representative and cost consultants presented hard construction costs (roughly $13,000,002), soft and owner’s costs, contingency and an allowance for rock excavation. Contractor representatives said basalt was encountered at shallow depths, which could increase excavation costs; the consultants included a rock‑excavation allowance in the estimate.

Poll numbers and taxpayer impact: Finance staff presented millage impacts based on a $600,000 assessed home yielding approximately $114 per year under the current estimate. The project team referenced polling showing 59–61% support in the $20–$22 million range, with further polling to be conducted after community engagement.

Scope‑reduction options: Staff identified three primary cost‑savings options: remove the community room and associated public restrooms/lobby (roughly $960,000), reduce bunk rooms from eight to six with associated plumbing reductions (about $175,000), or reduce apparatus bays from four to three (about $500,000). Staff warned that removing bays or bunks could affect response reliability, staffing and the city’s ISO insurance rating.

Council direction: After questions about escalation, contingency, temporary station options and project management fees, the council directed staff to remove the community room while retaining four apparatus bays and the planned bunk capacity. Mayor Buck and councilors praised the team for fitting the program onto the single site despite geotechnical constraints.

Next steps: Staff will return Jan. 20 with a revised conceptual design and updated bond cost; polling data from community engagement will be presented Feb. 3, and the council is scheduled to decide whether to refer the bond to voters on Feb. 17.