New Fire Station In Mica Approved By Cherokee Commission

BALL GROUND, GA — A construction contract for the new Fire Station No. 15 in Mica is being executed, following an affirmative vote of the Board of Commissioners.

The unanimous vote approved a standard construction services agreement with Cooper & Company General Contractors, Inc. for $5.3 million, and a 10 percent county-controlled contingency of $531,600 for the replacement facility being relocated to the intersection Conns Creek and Yellow Creek roads.

Cooper & Company General Contractors was the highest scoring proposal and second-lowest bidder. The $5.3 million construction costs are being paid for with county impact fees and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, known as SPLOST. A budget amendment was part of the vote to allow the use of impact fees due to rising construction and materials costs.

West, in whose district the replacement fire station lies, said he is excited to see the project moving forward.

“The Mica fire station was intended for volunteer use and is not suitable for career firefighters who live at the facility during their shifts," West said. "I’m thrilled that we are able to get this project under way before Fire Chief Tim Prather retires, as he and his team have worked tirelessly to make this a reality."

Fire leadership and the fire personnel who serve the area welcome the new home.

“We are excited to finally get to construction on the new Mica/Yellow Creek Fire Station project,” Prather said. “We’ve been working on this project for over two years. The current station is in dire need of replacement. We are anxious not only to get the construction started, but to get it completed as soon as practical and get our personnel into a more updated and accommodating facility to allow us to grow.”

The board also approved the purchase of 14 vehicles for Cherokee Fire & Emergency Services totaling $636,509 from Alan Jay Fleet Sales, utilizing SPLOST funds. The new vehicles are replacing existing vehicles, which range in age from 14-21 years old.

District 2 Commissioner Richard Weatherby made the motion, which was seconded by District 4 Commissioner Corey Ragsdale.