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Unionville fire chief asks town for $1 million toward new $4.42 million station
Summary
Unionville Volunteer Fire Department requested $1,000,000 from the town to help finance a proposed $4.42 million third fire station aimed at improving ISO ratings and lowering response times; the council expressed openness but made no commitment pending Union County action.
Fire Chief Kevin Philemon told the council at a special April 27 retreat that the Unionville Volunteer Fire Department plans a third station at New Salem Road and Old Camden Road to improve coverage and insurance ratings for neighborhoods now outside closer service radii. The department estimated total project costs at $4.42 million, inclusive of planning, permitting, site work, construction and a 10 percent contingency, and said civil drawings were not yet finalized.
Chief Philemon said placing the new station would reduce response times in the southeast portion of the fire district and benefit neighborhoods currently rated at Class 9 or 10 under the ISO classification system. He formally requested the Town of Unionville provide $1,000,000 toward the project, either as a lump-sum payment or spread over the life of a loan. Deputy Chief Matt Hinson presented financing scenarios showing how larger down payments would lower monthly debt service for the Department.
Finance Officer Darrell Baucom and Councilmembers acknowledged the request and discussed the town's potential annual obligation. Baucom calculated that a $1,000,000 commitment could be satisfied by roughly $70,000 per year over 15 years; combined with the Town's existing $60,000 annual apparatus contribution the total Town outlay could approach $130,000 annually if approved. Council members said they were open to the request but emphasized that a final decision would depend on the amount Union County ultimately allocates; the county budget was expected in mid-to-late May.
Chief Philemon also outlined longer-term apparatus and refurbishment needs, including a 2025 engine refurbishment (~$95,000), a brush truck in FY2026–2027 (~$250,000), and multiple engine replacements and refurbishments through 2033 that would add further capital pressure on the Department's budget.
The council did not take formal action at the retreat; Chief Philemon was asked to follow up after Union County releases its budget.
