The 22,000-quare-foot station that will serve the growing northern section of Springboro and Clearcreek Twp. also will serve as the fire district’s new headquarters, with administrative office space for the chief, three assistant chiefs, fire marshal, administrative lieutenant, office manager and part-time clerk.
“We are really excited for the opening of the new station. This will allow us to continue our mission as a department, which is to ‘proudly serve with compassion, integrity and professionalism.’ Every day we strive to provide quality emergency services to Clearcreek Twp. and the city of Springboro,” Agenbroad said.
To put an additional station in service, the department has needed to increase its operational staff by 15, or five per shift. The department has 67 uniform and two civilian personnel and there are two open positions that will be filled this year, the chief said.
“This has been the most challenging time for hiring I have seen in my over 30 years working in emergency services. While we have been able to gather a decent applicant pool for our hiring processes, many departments in the area are struggling to hire,” he said.
Even more challenging was how complicated and much more difficult the project became as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that escalated costs.
“Commercial construction costs have gone up 40%, apparatus and equipment costs have increased 30% and personnel costs are up by approximately 20%,” he said.
Voters in November 2020 approved a 3.75-mill continuing fire levy to help pay for fire and emergency services plus the construction of a new fire station projected to cost up to $8.5 million. However, the rising costs of construction materials, labor and inflation means the building will be closer to $12.5 million, the chief said previously.
Because the pandemic was unforeseen, the budget did not account for such a steep rise in costs. To make up for it, the department has realigned some organizational priorities and delayed some items.
“The good news is we are back on track,” Agenbroad said.
Once in service, the new station is expected to boost the fire district’s rating with the Insurance Service Office, which should translate to lower insurance rates, especially for businesses, the chief said previously.
The department is in the process of completing a strategic plan, which will be rolled out in conjunction with the opening of the new station.
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