By By KAREN L. HARRIS / Edwardsburg Argus
EDWARDSBURG – Edwardsburg Fire Chief Harold Eltztroth told the fire board that work is progressing in making the new fire station building ready for an October move-in.
Members of the volunteer department donated more than 90 hours in July to clean-up and de-construction in the former Georgie Boy Service Center building on M-62.
Eltztroth has received board approval to have a radio tower and radio equipment installed, additional floor drains added, and to construct a wall to the ceiling to zone off the truck area from the living space.
He also received approval to have the sign moved from the corner of Cass Street and US-12, outside the current fire station, to the new location. In addition, lettering capabilities will be installed on the other side of the sign, so motorists can view it coming into the village or leaving it. A flag pole will also be installed. This work will cost approximately $67,000 of the $100,000 estimated for building renovations.
The Fire Board also granted Eltzroth permission to pursue estimates on installing four more overhead doors, creating four drive-through bays for the fire trucks.
The Fire Board requested that Chief Eltzroth begin the process of putting the old fire station building up for sealed bid.
In other action, the Fire Board voted to accept a new operating budget for the fire department. This new budget, which will take effect immediately, shows an increase in operating costs, utilities and professional services as a result of the new fire station building.