Battle Creek Fire Stations Renovation Proposal Adjusted to Fit $25M Budget

Fire stations across Battle Creek are slated for significant upgrades, with city officials refining the renovation proposal to align with a $25 million budget.

Initially, the plan encompassed enhancements for all six fire stations, but projected costs exceeded the budget by approximately $3 million.

To address this, the proposal has been adjusted through "value engineering" to ensure essential updates are implemented without surpassing financial limits.

During a recent public workshop, city commissioners reviewed the revised plan, which now includes a smaller remodel of Station 1, new constructions for Stations 2 and 3, and a complete overhaul of Station 6.

Notably, the full renovation of Station 5 and minor updates to the recently renovated Station 4 have been removed from the proposal.

Stations 2 and 3, both over a century old, will be rebuilt at nearby locations to better serve the community.

"We have two stations that still have horse-drawn carriage runouts, so very steeped in history, but not so steeped in safety," said Cody Titus, Battalion Chief for the Battle Creek Fire Department.

"Our Station 2 and Station 3 were built off similar blueprints in 1903 and 1904."

Titus expressed hope that the new "sister stations" will serve the Battle Creek community for another 100+ years.

"A hundred years of safe service," he added.

The revised plan also includes a reduced list of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, bringing the total project cost to just under the budget cap at $24,995,793.

Despite the cuts, the plan maintains core updates, including gender-neutral bathrooms, ADA compliance, and upgrades aligned with national firefighter safety standards.

"We're trying to accommodate the future. We don't know which way the city of Battle Creek is going to grow," Titus said.

The next significant step is scheduled for August 5, when the chosen bidder will be announced, and the board will vote on the proposed contractor and project, including the total cost and associated debt.

It was noted during the workshop that the proposal includes a 10% contingency fund, around $2.5 million, to cover unexpected costs.

Project leaders also plan to refinance and seek better interest rates on project-related and existing city debt to reduce the long-term financial impact.

If approved, construction is expected to begin this year and continue through 2028.