Plans are progressing for the West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s next administration building.
Fire commissioners voted 4-1 Nov. 19 to accept a contract with Hall Darling Design Studio of Sarasota for the design of the new building and the adjoining parking lot.
Commissioner Al Robinson voted against the motion.
Fire Chief Ben Rigney said the building will be about 3,800 square feet — 1,200 square feet less than originally planned due to budget constraints.
Rigney said the design will cost about $70,600, or 8% of the total architectural cost, which is estimated to be $882,500.
The district currently rents space at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church for administrative operations after selling its administration building on Third Avenue West to fund the new building.
The sale netted WMFR $1.4 million for the new building, to be located on a lot the district acquired over the summer near the Fountain Court Shopping Center — just outside of the fire district.
Robinson, opposing the building plan, said the new building would house 10 staff and cost the district about $140,000 for every 380 square feet.
“This smells like government to me, and I have a fiduciary responsibility to say this stinks,” Robinson said. “This is crazy. Absolutely insane.”
Commissioner George Harris agreed that now may not be the best time to build, but said the motion wouldn’t put a shovel in the ground. He said the only money the district has committed is for the design.
“It looks like we’ll be spending a lot of money regardless because of the market,” Harris said.
The commission next voted 4-1 to issue a request for proposals for a construction manager to work with the architect and handle bids for subcontractors.
Robinson voted against the motion.
Commissioner David Bishop said hiring a construction manager is the district’s first step in pricing construction.
Harris moved to issue the RFP, stating he is eager to obtain construction estimates. Commissioner Randy Cooper seconded the motion.
The RFP has a Jan. 7, 2020, deadline for submissions.
A committee will review the submissions and name the top candidates, who would make presentations to the board at a workshop at 5 p.m. Jan. 21.