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Comstock Township board authorizes up to $13.5 million bond to replace Station 93
Summary
The township board approved a parameters resolution authorizing up to $13.5 million in limited‑tax general obligation bonds to finance a replacement for Station 93, with proponents arguing the new facility will improve response times, training and firefighter health.
The Charter Township of Comstock board on June 15 approved a parameters resolution authorizing up to $13.5 million in limited‑tax general obligation bonds to finance construction of a replacement Station 93.
Deputy Chief Thompson and other Comstock Fire and Rescue leaders told the board the current Station 93 is landlocked, undersized and was built as a satellite facility rather than a staffed station. “This project is not just about replacing one station,” said the department’s presenter, noting that new decontamination areas, separate bedrooms and larger training spaces would improve firefighter safety and readiness.
The presentation summarized a needs analysis by Redstone Architects and recent design work by the department and consultant JPR. Presenters said call volume has increased substantially — from roughly 1,470 calls in 2015 to about 2,600 in 2025 — and argued that strategic east‑side placement would reduce response times to growing neighborhoods.
Eric McLaughlin of Dickinson Wright, representing municipal bond counsel, told the board the resolution is framed as a parameters resolution: it would authorize bonds up to a maximum principal amount of $13,500,000 but does not require the township to borrow that full amount. The resolution would pledge the township’s limited tax full faith and credit for repayment and delegate authority to the supervisor, clerk and treasurer to execute sale documents. Counsel said the board could negotiate specific terms before sale; the plan discussed a mid‑August sale and early September closing if the board proceeds.
Trustee Cherry moved to approve “Resolution 2026‑10, resolution to authorize issuance of limited tax general obligation bonds, series 2026.” After board discussion, a roll‑call vote produced a majority in favor and the motion carried.
The chief said the project budget is about $13.5 million with roughly $2 million already in department savings and an intention to factor in the eventual sale of the current Station 93. The board and department discussed staging purchases and grant opportunities to avoid spikes in resident assessments. Construction plans and further project details were expected to be brought to the board in late July.
The vote authorizes the township to proceed with the bond process; final borrowing would depend on market conditions and further board approvals.
