The Four Oaks Fire Department received approval from County Commissioners on Monday for two tax exempt loans totaling $1 million.
Fire Chief Barry Stanley said the majority of the money, $650,000 would go towards the construction of a second fire station. The remaining $350,000 would be used to refinance a 2007 Pierce ladder truck the department recently purchased for $350,000. Both loans will be finance at KS Bank for a 15 year term at an interest rate of 2.94 percent each.
The department purchased a $75,000 tract of land for a second fire station in 2009 at the intersection of Lassiter Road and King Mill Road. The land has already been paid for. The new 7,400 square foot station will be able to accommodate up to 6 vehicles, and will include an office and sleeping quarters. Chief Stanley said the building, which will cost up to $800,000 will also be able to house an EMS truck and crew if growth in the area prompts the need.
Construction on the new building should begin in the first quarter of 2016 with completion in the Fall of 2016. The second station will allow the department to have a quicker response time to areas in the western portion of their district, Chief Stanley said Monday.
The Four Oaks Fire Department currently has 60 volunteers and 2 paid members.
