GREENFIELD — Greenfield residents could see increased tax bills if the city moves forward with a loan to overhaul a Greenfield fire station.
City officials are mulling a complete reconstruction of Fire Station 22 on New Road they say is desperately needed and are eyeing a $3.3 million loan to pay for it.
The fire station opened in the spring of 1991 and was intended to only house volunteer firefighters. But as the city grew from 13,000 to now more than 21,000, it turned into a secondary station housing six firefighters during their 24-hour shifts, said fire chief James Roberts.
At 25 years old, the station needs more than updates, he said. The fitness room is too small, the living quarters are cramped and training space is at a premium, Roberts said.
Plans call for a two-story addition to the west side of the existing facility to include new living quarters, a locker room, storage for equipment, a kitchen, a day room, a fitness room and a new ambulance bay. The existing facility would be renovated into a training center and office space.
City officials plan to borrow up to $3.3 million to pay for the project, a move that would result in increased tax bills for Greenfield residents. Tax rates would increase by about 3 cents per $100 of assessed value should the full $3.3 million be borrowed, said Clerk-treasurer Lori Elmore.
For more on this story, read Saturday’s Daily Reporter.
