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Fire chief proposes moving training and logistics to renovated Building A; commissioners ask for cost options
Summary
Fire Chief Stephens presented three renovation options for Building A — light modifications, move-in-as-is, or full gut-and-renovate — describing new training and logistics spaces and operational benefits. Commissioners asked staff to obtain detailed scopes and cost estimates before committing funds.
Fire Chief Stephens outlined a plan to relocate the county’s training and logistics operations into Building A and described a proposed floor plan that would consolidate most fire personnel under one roof.
The plan calls for a logistics area of about 2,100 square feet and a training room of similar size, office space for department management and logistics staff, a public-facing lobby adjacent to the administrative assistant’s office, and upgraded bathroom facilities with shower stalls so trainees can shower after evolutions. Stephens also proposed a roll-up door in the logistics bay for easier loading of palletized supplies and metal shelving to organize equipment.
The proposal would require interior reconfiguration — moving some walls and relocating a hallway for better public access — new flooring (tile or stained decorative concrete), new ceiling tiles or painted open ceilings, lighting and AV upgrades in the training room, and electrical and plumbing relocations. Stephens said internet and phone upgrades should be economical and that the renovation would improve day-to-day communication and operational efficiency by co-locating training and logistics staff.
Vice Chairman Jennifer Snelson and Commissioner Adam Worsley both urged staff to return three standardized cost packages so the Board can compare: minimal repairs to make the building usable, a moderate renovation, and a full renovation to modernize the facility. "So, that's my fault. I asked for that kind of presentation," Worsley said after Stephens presented the more comprehensive option.
County Administrator John Gorton said staff will solicit bids and bring back detailed scopes and estimates; commissioners repeatedly emphasized finding a reasonable middle ground between doing too little and overbuilding. The board did not approve construction funding at the meeting and asked staff to provide firm prices and timeline estimates so the board can evaluate tradeoffs at a future meeting.
Next steps: staff will prepare three scoped bidding packages and cost estimates for review at the May 26 regular meeting before any commitment of General Fund or SPLOST dollars.
