City Council approves $9.5M BOT agreement for new Fire Station 13 construction

Lebanon City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing public safety with the approval of a new fire station. During the meeting on March 10, 2025, the council discussed and moved forward with a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, awarding the project to a development team led by GM Development, RQAW, and Core Construction.

The council's resolution, identified as 2025-05, serves as the green light for the construction of Fire Station 13, with an estimated budget not exceeding $9.5 million. This decision follows a thorough evaluation process of proposals submitted in response to the city’s request for qualifications. The BOT agreement allows for the design, construction, and eventual transfer of the fire station to the city, ensuring that public safety needs are met efficiently.

Catherine Fennell, a representative involved in the financial aspects of the project, outlined the financial structure, which includes an installment purchase agreement. This agreement will facilitate payments to the developer over a period of three to five years, culminating in a balloon payment to finalize the acquisition of the project. The city plans to finance this initiative through legally available funds, including potential loans from local banks, which will be selected based on competitive interest rates.

The council emphasized the importance of this project for the community, with public safety being a top priority. The public hearing held during the meeting allowed for community input, reinforcing the council's commitment to transparency and engagement with residents.

As Lebanon prepares to break ground on Fire Station 13, the council's actions reflect a proactive approach to enhancing emergency services and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The anticipated outcomes of this project are not only the construction of a new facility but also the strengthening of the city’s emergency response capabilities.