Peru Fire Department seeks voter approval to move ahead with expansion project
Bids came in higher than expected
Peru, April 17, 2026 – On September 3, 2024, Peru voters approved, by a margin of 121 to 70, the Fire Department’s plan to expand and upgrade its fire station. At the time, Architectural Engineering and Design Associates (AEDA) estimated having to borrow no more than $5 million. However, when contractor bids were opened on April 7, the project cost totaled $6.65 million—significantly higher than anticipated.
To help cover the gap, the department can use its $710,000 Building Reserve and $340,000 in district funds, but will still need to borrow an additional $600,000. Chad Frechette, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, noted that AEDA now projects a tax rate increase of 51 cents per thousand of taxable value, which is lower than last September’s estimate of 72 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value. Falling interest rates should also help reduce borrowing costs. If the estimates hold, property taxes on a $300,000 home would rise by $153 over the 25-year loan term.
Voter approval is required for the department to borrow the additional $600,000 needed to move the project forward. A special election will take place at the fire station on May 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A public hearing to answer questions will be held on Tuesday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fire station. Frechette said the commissioners will meet before the hearing to discuss whether further cost savings can be identified.
The renovation replaces the wood structural members with steel, extends the truck bays by 40 feet toward Bear Swamp Road, and replaces the bay flooring, roofing, engine bay doors, and most sprinkler, electrical, and HVAC systems. New facilities include an equipment storage area, a fitness room, a locker room, a decontamination room, an updated social room, space for the historic Brockway truck, an expanded EMS area, and larger eastside parking.
Link to Peru Gazette story prior to the September 2024 vote
In September, 2024 Greg Timmons explained why the changes are needed
September 2024 vote results story
Posted: April 17th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Fire Department News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History.