Construction of three fire stations put on hold as Medford City Council works to fix budget

Medford, Ore.– Ground breaking for three fire stations was supposed start next week. But that will now be put on hold. The three stations, two of which will be new and the new police station are more than five million dollars over budget. Medford City Councilors tried to weigh which option could work best in this dilemma at Thursday night’s study session and city council meeting.

Medford Fire and Rescue Chief Brian Fish talked said at the study session that he is willing to do whatever needs to be done to make sure the three stations are built.
But councilors are trying to settle a 24% cost overage for the stations. The most expensive increase is for fire station 2 which is currently 50 years old.
The new one would be built on Stewart Avenue.

City Councilman, Daniel Bunn said, “Station 2 was approaching $383 per square foot which is very expensive. So much higher than stations 3 and 4.”

The police station, which is already under construction is $1.6 million dollars over budget.
Councilors said the cost increase is because sub-contractors are doing well. Busy and charging more for services.
Council decided to put the three fire stations on hold and move forward with the police station.