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Volunteer fire department details progress on new station; community donations and county grant total $801,475 to start construction
Summary
Matthews Volunteer Fire Department reported construction progress on its new station (Boys and Girls Club conversion), $801,474.95 in committed funds to start construction plus volunteer labor; the department expects to self‑perform concrete removal to save roughly $170,000 in bids.
The Matthews Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) presented a year-end update on its conversion of the Boys and Girls Club building into a new Station 1 at the Dec. 20 Board of Supervisors meeting. Project manager Troy Garrett said a feasibility study estimated a $6 million cost for a full new build, but the department and partners found ways to reduce cost by self‑performing work and soliciting donated services.
Garrett said the county agreed to grant $3,000,000 to the project and that local businesses and individuals have contributed time, discounts and in-kind services. RJG/DJG and Donald Booth are handling architectural and engineering services; VHB is supporting site, DEQ and wetland permitting. Garrett provided a breakdown of funds received and expenses to date: a $201,474.95 allocation (engineer reallocation) and a $600,000 check for construction, totaling $801,474.95 received to date. Spent amounts included $250,455 for engineering, $64,977.15 for material deposits and equipment, and $119,574.13 for dumpster fees, leaving $362,442.63 in a restricted account for the fire department.
Garrett said the lowest concrete-removal bid came in at $170,000, but members will self‑perform much of that work to save costs. He reported structural-plan review for the rear building would take about 60 days before awarding that portion and estimated a roughly two-year timeline to completion if schedules and weather cooperate. Garrett also said the department is installing EV charging stations across the system (one installed at Station 4; additional chargers planned at the new station, Gwen's Island, Station 5 and Bohannon) and anticipates a press conference when installations are online.
Supervisors praised the project and volunteer effort; several members noted a volunteer-led approach had saved substantial taxpayer dollars and expressed appreciation for businesses and neighbors who contributed services. The board had previously approved resolution funding the project and will continue oversight as construction advances.
