First, I would like to thank everyone that came to last night's town board information meeting. I feel it was important for everyone's voice to be heard. I think we all agree Grand Chute needs a fire station, and we need it now. It is no secret I am a supporter of the approved plan, even though it is $1 million over what Chairman Marsden and Administrator Rohloff led residents to believe they were voting for at the annual meeting. Residents, in general, are disappointed in the previous lack of fiscal responsibility. However, by insisting on the $3.5 million budget, Chairmen Marsden is, once again, not being fiscally responsible.
I have been a general contractor for 13 years. I have learned there comes a point in design where the price per square foot decreases as the building size increases. Right now the building price is $180/sq. ft. To reach Chairman Marsden’s self-appointed figures, the building size would decrease to 19,444 sq. ft. and that is at $180/sq. ft. I guarantee by cutting this space the overall sq. ft. price will increase, and probably reach over $200/sq. ft. This price now drops the station to 17,500 sq. ft. This is 7,500 sq. ft less than the approved plan.
Okay, the detractors say. We are saving money. We are getting fire protection. Some would say yes, but I say no. We are getting fire protection. For now. We are not saving money.
Grand Chute population growth is expected to increase 1/3 by the year 2030. That is an additional 6,000 residents in only 23 years. The original design is built to accommodate this growth.
The smaller fire station will be maxed out and an addition needed long before then. Within 10 years we will need to add that 7500 sq. ft. back into the fire station. Let’s be nice and give an overall cost increase of only 5% per year to the $200/sq. ft. price. (Last year alone steel prices increased 20% and copper increased 60%) In 10 years the 7500 sq. ft. addition will cost taxpayers at least $2.25 million. That is $1.25 million dollars more than the $4.5 million dollar budget I support.
That definately is not fiscal responsibility.
Each room is accounted for. Each room is needed. Each room will be used.
The voice of the people does matter. You still have the opportunity to express your opinion to the Town Board.
