The construction bids are in for the new Liberty/Dowelltown Fire Hall, but construction costs are slightly higher than originally expected.  

The DeKalb County Purchasing Committee met on November 17 and opened bids on building the new fire hall, which is planned to be located just off Highway 70, between the two towns. Tim Pedigo’s bid came in as the cheaper of the two bids submitted. Pedigo’s bid was $359,540, which was cheaper by $59,000 of the competing bid, but $9,540 higher than the $350,000 allocated for the project. County Mayor Adcock said the committee voted to award the bid to Pedigo provided he met all the specifications. 

In addition, $13,832 had to be spent for surveying and engineering services for the project, which puts the total cost $23,372 over what had been allocated. The county commission voted last Monday night at its regular monthly meeting to add extra ARP funds to cover the overage. 

When completed, the new fire hall will house DeKalb Fire’s Engine 65, a tanker truck, and is planned to house a day truck for DeKalb EMS. The new addition is expected to cut response times to the western parts of the county in half for both fire and medical services. 

The fire hall is to be constructed on an 8.65-acre site formerly known as the old Liberty/Dowelltown Park, off Highway 70 on West Main Street, which is owned by both municipalities. Both towns have voted in favor of the project and the construction in the park.