Skowhegan voters being asked whether to build new fire station
SKOWHEGAN — Residents of Skowhegan are being asked whether to build a new public safety facility once again.
The Skowhegan fire department is more than 100 years old and was built for horse-drawn fire equipment.
As of now, the public safety building has multiple code violations and size restraints.
Fire Chief Shawn Howard said the building is not safe for the their firefighters.
“This was just not designed for what we use it for today and certainly not designed for these trucks and the size of these trucks. So it has its issues, its service wealth and 116 years but it is time to build something new,” he said.
Voters shot down an attempt to build a facility in the center of town that would of cost nearly $8.5 million.
The building now being proposed would have both fire and police departments.
“One building is over well cost, less operating cost, we can share resources and it creates a better working environment for both police and fire,” said Howard.
“It affects peoples insurances and it’s more expensive if your’re too far away from the fire department. And part of being right in town is the police department. A lot of people aren’t as concerned about the fire department being not downtown,” said Betty White, select board member.
The town is trying to find out how the community feels about the new proposal. A survey was made for the community to list their concerns and opinions.
“The committee has worked hard and we are trying to listen to the taxpayers and take their concerns and address those and that’s why we put the survey out,” said Howard.
On Nov. 4, residents will get another opportunity to vote whether or not a new public safety building is needed.
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