News Summary
Myrtle Beach city leaders are poised to vote on taking on a debt of $26.5 million to construct a new central fire station. This project aims to modernize emergency services and replace the outdated current station, which has become inadequate for the city’s growing needs. The proposed facility will feature 30,000 square feet and integrate emergency operations with 911 dispatch under one roof. Funding will come from future hospitality tax revenues, with projections indicating possible interest costs of $15 million over the repayment period.
Myrtle Beach Hopes to Build a New Central Fire Station with $26.5 Million Debt
In a move that’s creating quite a buzz, the leaders of Myrtle Beach are gearing up to vote on taking on a debt of over $26 million for the construction of a brand new central fire station. This exciting project is part of the city’s five-year capital improvement plan aimed at modernizing essential services.
The Need for Change
The current fire station, located on Mr. Joe White Avenue, has become a bit cramped for the growing number of personnel and vehicles. Built in the 1990s, it was designed to house eight personnel, but now accommodates 12, not to mention the additional emergency vehicles that have since been added to their fleet. As a result, city officials acknowledge that the existing facility has certainly outgrown its original capacity.
The proposed new fire station will be a sprawling 30,000 square feet and is intended to combine emergency operations and 911 dispatch services under one roof. With plans for a 5,400 square-foot vehicle bay, the new layout is not just about space; it is also about safety. The current station has been notorious for the dangerous maneuvering required for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, something that the new design aims to eliminate.
What’s in Store?
If the Myrtle Beach City Council gives the green light, construction for the new fire station could kick off by the summer of 2026, with the entire buildout projected to take up to 24 months. The new facility will be situated on Robert Grissom Parkway and is designed to accommodate four shifts with a total of six vehicle bays, ensuring that the city is ready for any emergency that arises.
Beyond just vehicle space, the new station will boast a second story that will house the city’s emergency operations center and the necessary 911 dispatch services. This new layout aims to streamline operations and improve response times, ultimately benefitting everyone in the Myrtle Beach community.
Funding and Financial Considerations
The city plans to finance this ambitious project through future hospitality tax revenues, which will be used to reimburse the debt over a period of 20 years. However, it’s worth noting that during a recent council workshop, projections indicated that $15 million in interest could accrue on the debt throughout the repayment period. Given that it’s a sizable investment, city officials will be watching the budget closely.
Funding for the new fire station is expected to span across fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The city’s chief financial officer has indicated that the proposal includes issuing bonds to secure the necessary funds for this significant undertaking. As the council prepares to vote on this resolution of intent, many in the community are buzzing with anticipation about what this new facility could mean for local safety services.
The Fate of the Old Fire Station
While the plans for the new station are exciting, the future of the old fire station on Mr. Joe White Avenue remains a bit up in the air. City officials are focused on addressing Myrtle Beach’s growth and ensuring that the new, larger fire station is functional and meets the needs of the expanding population. As such, the fate of the existing facility is yet to be determined.
As the city gears up for this critical vote, residents can look forward to a brighter, safer future with the hopes that a shiny new fire station will soon stand ready to serve Myrtle Beach and keep its community safe.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach Leaders Asked to OK $26M Debt Financing Plan for New Fire Station
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF: Myrtle Beach City Council Receives Update on Proposed Fire Station Ahead of Vote
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Fire Station
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach’s Police HQ is Bursting at the Seams
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Fire Station
- WECT: Calabash Fire Department Helps Battle Myrtle Beach Flames
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Station
- WPDE: Traditional Ceremony Welcomes New Fire Engine 5 in North Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Fire Station
