Commission approves funding for Station 18 phases 1–2; discusses Smithers decertification and equipment transfer

The Fayette County Commission voted to fund phases 1 and 2 of the Station 18 build from the county fire levy and approved the project moving forward with the contractor recommended in the bidding process.

Presenters described a phased approach (four phases total) with Phase 1 bringing the core station online and Phase 2 adding a training shell. Bids were publicly opened; New River was identified as meeting specifications and as the apparent low bidder. Commissioners asked for the bid scoring, supporting documents and a written rationale; the construction team said they would provide hard copies and a summary letter of the process.

Separately, commissioners addressed a recent State Fire Commission decision to decertify the Smithers Fire Department. Staff outlined a transfer plan for equipment and funding in four accounts (totaling roughly $204,000 across state, county and levy accounts) and said neighboring departments—Montgomery and Boomer—have been covering calls in the Smithers district. The state auditor’s office and fire services officials recommended an approach that keeps good paper trails as funds are moved into accounts that will be used by receiving departments.

Commissioners agreed to hold some actions for about 30 days to inventory assets, collect outstanding invoices and ensure transfers are documented. They asked staff to coordinate with the state fire marshal, local chiefs, and auditors to finalize the distribution of trucks, equipment and levy funds and to present the recommended steps for ratification at a subsequent meeting.