The total cost of the project is estimated at $582,139 when factoring in engineering and inspection costs. The county is also budgeting a $20,000 contingency fund should any unforeseen problems arise during the construction project that could incur more costs. The county will provide in-house the new station’s septic system, well, painting, kitchen cabinets and counters, and concrete.  

“I want to thank you all for the vote on the fire station,” said Morgan County Fire Chief Jeff Stone to the BOC in June. “This has been in process for the last six to nine years. It’s good to finally see this come along. We are excited to see it moving forward and we all appreciate you for making it happen.”

Based on a three-year plan, five firefighter positions would be added each year over three years.  

"It benefits us as far as training, once we get that new crew we can use an additional truck for our training which allows us to train the same way we fight fires with four trucks," said Capt. Joy. "Right now, we're limited to training with three trucks when it comes to training for structure fires."

For the firefighters who call Fire Station Five home now, and for those who will in the future, a new space is welcome.