Buffalo Grove may wait to renovate fire station

Renovations to the Buffalo Grove fire headquarters might be put on hold in the midst of concerns over the economy.

When the topic came up for discussion Monday, Trustee Jeff Braiman said he didn't see the need for it while residents may be struggling with their finances.

"We really have to look at why we're doing it," he said.

Braiman said he's had reservations about the issue for a while, and a report on the village's finances cemented his opinion. While the village has no danger of major budget shortfalls, he said that, ultimately, real estate taxes will be affected by a large capital project.

The board decided in a split vote to gather statements of qualifications from architects and have the staff review the scope of the project.

"I think it is something we will ultimately have to do," Trustee Jeff Berman said. "Right now may not be the best time."

However, he agreed that he wanted the information available from architects so that the board could make some decisions in the meantime.

Village Manager Bill Brimm said on Tuesday the project could cost up to $1.6 million, but he believes that's a high estimate.

The renovations for Station 26 on Deerfield Parkway would include an expansion of the basement to house more employees and conversion of current firefighter sleeping area to store more equipment.

If the project is approved, Brimm said it would begin in 2009. However, the board may choose to hold off on construction until the economy improves.