Athens Reporter

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) is seeking resident input on a revised set of proposed site options for the relocation of Fire Station #5, part of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 2020 Project 6 – Fire Station #5 Replacement. The current station, built in 1974, is located at the corner of Whit Davis Road and Cedar Shoals Drive.

Revised site selection criteria were approved by the Mayor & Commission on May 7, 2024. These criteria were used to evaluate properties within the search area for the new station. Out of 113 properties reviewed, nine met all revised criteria. ACCGov staff is requesting comments and input on these identified properties.

Two public meetings are scheduled for residents to learn more about the project and provide feedback: Tuesday, September 24 at the ACC Tennis Center from 5:00-7:00 PM and Thursday, September 26 at Hilsman Middle School Media Center from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Public input will also be accepted through an online survey available on www.accgov.com/fire until Sunday, September 29. The project webpage includes additional information and a recording of a presentation to the Mayor and Commission from their February 13, 2024 Work Session meeting.

Earlier in 2024, residents commented on revised site selection criteria after a November 7, 2023 vote by the Mayor and Commission rejected previous top candidate sites. Staff presented revised criteria at a February work session which were approved in May.

Approximately $6 million has been allocated for Fire Station #5 Replacement through SPLOST funds. This budget covers land acquisition, design, construction, fueling station installation, equipment procurement, and other related costs to meet facility standards comparable to previous designs.

Following public feedback collection ending September 29th, results will be presented to the project user group and Site Selection Committee in October to develop top three candidate sites for final approval by the Mayor and Commission.

Further public input opportunities are planned as the project progresses through additional phases toward final site selection and design.

For more information contact SPLOST / TSPLOST Program Management Office at 706-613-3025 or splost@accgov.com or visit www.accgov.com/splost.