The future of the Emmett Fire Station in eastern Pottawatomie County may be known before the end of the year.
During a work session Monday, Pottawatomie County Fire Chief Jared Barnes informed commissioners he’s reached out to a company to do a feasibility study to determine whether it makes sense to renovate the existing station or build new.
Staffing had been a concern at the station as little as six months ago, dropping to as many as two firefighters on the roster. Barnes says the community has shown more interest as they have two pending applications and a handful waiting to be turned in.
There are currently seven volunteer firefighters on the roster.
Commissioners have had mixed opinions about which way to proceed with improvements. Barnes says he plans to approach the commission once the feasibility study is completed to begin the next step. That likely won’t take place until sometime in November.
Earlier this year, Barnes was told by an inspector that the bones of the Emmett Fire Station are still workable with a potential remodel.
