SHAWNEE, Kan. — The price tag on a new fire station in Shawnee is going up, more than 60 percent.
Shawnee Fire Chief John Mattox said the original architect estimated the building planned for 53rd Street and Woodsonia Drive at roughly $3.6 million. Today, the actual cost is about $2.3 million more, slated at nearly $5.9 million.
"I only asked an architect. He was close on the building. Now, I know I should’ve asked project," said Mattox.
Mattox is referring to other construction and design costs — things like brick, individual bunk rooms as opposed to dormitory style and having a pitched roof.
This is the current plan for the fire station. A slightly larger station, at roughly 91,000 square feet, and pitched roof for long-term maintenance add to the price increase.
"Also a bigger station and we were half a million off on removing dirt to level the ground," said Mattox. "Until you bid it all, you just don't know."
Mayor Michelle Distler has an interesting idea that could benefit taxpayers in Shawnee.
"I would like to see the council fund the entire station and the truck from the Johnson County Public Safety sales tax," said Distler.
In 2016, the Shawnee City Council voted to increase the levy by 2.44 mills to fund the new fire station.
That was deemed necessary because of outward expansion, and response times to fires in the western area reaching 10 minutes.
However, the city will be getting an estimated $16 million to $20 million back from Shawnee's portion of the public safety sales tax from the Johnson County Courthouse.
"And then give the mills designated just for the building and the truck back to the residents of Shawnee," said Distler.
That's something the Shawnee City Council will consider on March 26.
The same pool will pay for new tornado sirens.
Distler also said Fire House 71 may not get some of its improvements.
However, Distler said the use of much of the money had not been decided on -- so it should not impact public safety.
“If Shawnee elected officials choose to use that money on a new fire station, I think that fits perfectly in what that money is intended to be used for," said Mattox.
Tentatively, a groundbreaking is planned for April 30. The council will need to approve final funding.
Distler also said she would like to see another firehouse go in the northeast part of the city.
