The Fairfield City Council is moving forward on two fronts regarding its fire stations — approving an appraisal of the old fire station while the new fire station continues to work through the final details ahead of its anticipated move-in date, according to comments made at Monday’s August 24th city council meeting.
Old Fire Station
The council voted unanimously to approve up to $3,500 for an appraisal of the old fire station, a necessary step before the city can begin formal discussions about the building’s future. The appraisal will be conducted by Doug Hattery of Hattery Appraisals, who comes recommended by JCG Land Services and has previously done appraisal work for the city on Highway 1 and other projects. The estimated cost is between $2,800 and $3,200.
City Administrator Doug Reinert explained the rationale for moving forward now. The building task force wants to understand the building’s value before entering discussions with Jefferson County, which owns 20 percent of the property to the city’s 80 percent. “We don’t have sole ownership of it, so we’re just trying to determine what portion the city is responsible for,” Reinert said. City Engineer and Public Works Director Melanie Carlson noted the city will pay 100 percent of the appraisal cost and is not asking the county to contribute. “We just want to get it done so that we can have that conversation.”
An appraisal is required by law before a public agency can sell property — whether the county sells its 20 percent share to the city or the city lists the building for sale entirely. Carlson said the timing is intentional. Getting the appraisal done now means the city can begin discussions with the county around the same time the fire department moves into its new facility. “Just between getting the appraisal — if that takes a month — and then discussing buying the 20 percent from the supervisors and then getting it listed, we’re about at the beginning of the year,” Carlson said. “And that would be about the time that the new fire station is ready. So timing-wise, going ahead and getting it started is not too early.”
The building task force is continuing to look at the old fire station as part of a broader evaluation of the city’s building needs, which also includes city hall and the Roosevelt Center.
New Fire Station
The new fire station, built by Christner Contracting of Ottumwa at a low bid of $7,298,347 following a bid opening in November 2024, is making significant progress ahead of its anticipated substantial completion date of November 1st. Interior finishes are well underway on the east side of the building, including painting and flooring, while electrical and mechanical work is still being completed within the bays. Exterior grading for the parking areas has begun, with exterior paving anticipated in September.
Carlson updated the council on the status of the new fire station, describing the current phase of the project in relatable terms. “We’re at the point where couples split up if they’re building a house — because it’s all those details that drive everyone crazy,” Carlson said.
One of those details is the installation of Ethernet lines, which were not included in the original bid for the project. Carlson explained that at the time the project was bid, the city was in discussions about potentially changing internet service providers and there were open questions about who would be supplying what services. As a result, the Ethernet lines were left out of the bid price. The city is now obtaining quotes from its electrician to install the lines and from its IT company for wireless devices. Lisco has been proposed to provide internet and phone service for the new station.
The intent is to cover the cost using a portion of the project’s $60,000 equipment allowance, which was originally intended for fixtures, furnishings, and specialized equipment not being moved from the existing station. Carlson said ensuring the building is fully connected is the priority. “If we have to move in some old furniture, at least we know that we’ll be able to get a hold of everyone,” she said. “Staff feels like that is the more important thing than having new furniture.” She added that if federal funding is finalized, furniture and furnishings could still be purchased with those funds later.
Fire Department Equipment
City Administrator Reinert also noted in his report that the fire department is currently testing the pumps on its fire engines, with mandatory maintenance and rebuilds required to keep the apparatus in dependable working order. Reinert said the repairs are not optional. “Reliable equipment keeps our ISO ratings low to keep our insurance rates low on property,” he said. “We must invest money in our equipment and infrastructure to save money over time.”
No council action was required on the fire station update. The new facility is expected to be substantially complete by November 1st.
