Voters in Ipswich (MA) took the first step toward funding and building a $27.5 million combined fire and police station on Saturday, Oct. 16, according to a report published by Ipswich Local News.

The report said 497 voters showed up for the meeting and the overwhelming majority were in favor of the project, the report said, adding that proposal will still need to be ratified by ballot vote on Tuesday, Oct. 26 because the measure requires the town to borrow money.

If the measure wins final approval from voters, the new 29,000 square foot building will replace a 1907 fire station, built for horse-drawn apparatus and the police station which was built in 1920 as a town hall annex, according to the report.

Officials acknowledge the new project will place a burden on the taxpayers of around $300 annually on an average house valued at $586,200, according to the report.

Preparations for Waconia’s (MN) new fire station are moving into the site planning and preliminary design phase following the city council’s recent allocation of $80,000, reports hometownsource.com.

Discussions about a possible new facility began three years ago due to limitations of the current station, and a study earlier this year evaluated replacing the existing fire station, which was built in 1980, the report says.

In August, council selected a city-owned parcel located at 10451 10th St. West as the site of a future station, and last Monday accepted BVP Group’s analysis report, which outlined preferred locations and preliminary costs.

The report says preliminary estimates based upon square footage needs range from $8.3 million to $9.7 million. The next phase will refine space needs, lay out a floor plan, explore schematic design options, and narrow cost estimates.

The plan tentatively calls for construction to begin next spring. The site planning phase is expected to take about 2.5 months, according to BKV Group. Then the council will decide whether to move into development of a final design and construction plan, according to the report.

More information on the project can be found on the city’s website here.

Groundbreaking for the new antique steam fire engine house in Owego (NY) was held on Monday, Oct. 18, according to a report published by WBNG.

According to the television station, the new building is being constructed to showcase Owego Fire Department’s 1866 steam fire engine and a 1938 Sanford hose truck, both of which will be shown publicly when the building is complete.

Construction is set to begin immediately on the facility which is just north of Fire Station #2, according to the report, which also says the building will incorporate an antique fire bell that was once in the Central Fire Station, but is now being restore. The report also said the site will have an eternal flame honoring all the past and present volunteer firefighters.

Hallowell (ME) city council recently approved the purchase of a $589,083 new fire truck that officials say checks all of the department’s boxes and will be ready to serve the city for the next 25 years, reports centralmaine.com. It’s the first new apparatus in 18 years and will replace 33-year-old Engine 1.

However, one councilor member, who’s a firefighter for a different city, says the city doesn’t need a new truck but rather a truck that will help maintain the city’s Insurance Services Office rating, the report says.

Regardless, the other council members voted in favor of purchasing the Pierce pumper for $589,083, with an upfront payment discount of $18,460.

City officials say the purchase would be financed through Androscoggin Savings Bank, which would pay the total upfront cost, the report says. The city also approved a request for $37,457 worth of equipment required for the new apparatus.