A new fire station is in the works for the city of Morehead, bringing essential services closer to downtown in an up-to-date facility. The site has been selected, Trace Creek has been selected as the contractor, and bonds are being set for the new facility.
Joe Lakofka is the managing partner of RCA Advisors. The organization works with small local governments across the Commonwealth to build foundational projects like the Morehead fire station. Lakofka said finance steps like bonds often present as lengthy and complicated agenda items, so it’s essential to make sure everyone understands the process.
“Certain activities need to be hired out, essentially, and they will hire out say, their legal work or financial advisory work. In this case, engineers, architects. People they may not have on staff but need to continue the role of local government,” said Lakofka.
Once the design process is complete, RCA will help arrange payment for the project. Morehead residents will then begin to see construction on the station across from the Rowan County Courthouse, next to Trinity Christian Church. Lakofka said behind the scenes, he is working with city government to help put as little strain on taxpayers as possible.
“The citizens don’t have to pay for the project all at one time,” said Lakofka. “They can amortize the cost of the project, in this case the fire station, for the life of the project. So, say 20, 25 years.”
Key features of the new station will include more abundant space for full and part time firefighters, bathrooms for both male and female employees, and proximity to downtown. A groundbreaking is anticipated for summer of 2025, and officials said construction may take 18 to 24 months.