Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 9, 1990 TAG: 9005090569
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK LAYMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors approved an operating agreement with Botetourt County on Tuesday. Botetourt County's Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the agreement later this month.
The fire station will be built at the entrance to Botetourt County's new industrial park, which is near Alternate 220 and U.S. 460 east. It will be about six miles from fire stations in Vinton, Troutville and Blue Ridge.
Roanoke County will pay for its construction, which is expected to cost $375,000.
A bond issue approved by county voters in 1985 included $300,000 for the fire station. The additional cost is a result of inflation and the need for additional space to accommodate rescue squad vehicles and equipment.
The two counties will split the cost of operating the fire station. It should be in operation by November, said Roanoke County Fire Chief Tommy Fuqua.
The Troutville Fire Department will provide a pumper truck for the new station.
The fire station will be staffed with volunteers, who will be eligible for insurance and length-of-service benefits though Roanoke County.
If, after one year, response times aren't satisfactory, Roanoke County might put paid firefighters in the station, said County Administrator Elmer Hodge.
Last year, the county discussed the possibility of building a fire station jointly with Roanoke to serve the U.S. 460 east area. But after a dispute over staffing and the location of the station, the city decided to build its own station. The city hasn't picked a site yet.
A work session on the county's 1990-1991 budget that was scheduled for Tuesday's board meeting was postponed until May 15.
by CNB