The towns of Ahnapee, Lincoln and Pierce are inviting residents to weigh in on a proposal from the city of Algoma to contribute to the construction of its new fire station.

City officials broke ground in October on the estimated $3.9 million Sunset Avenue facility, which will replace the department’s cramped downtown headquarters.

According to contractor Bayland Buildings, the new facility will include 5,800 square feet of offices, meeting rooms and fire/EMS operations space; 11,300 square feet of drive-thru apparatus bays and a wash bay; and a 2,000-square-foot mezzanine.

The project was to be funded through a portion of the proceeds from the October 2024 general obligation debt issuance, interest earned on those proceeds, a $200,000 donation from Terrance Fulwiler and capital project fund reserves.

The city has now asked the towns, which receive services from the Algoma Fire Department rather than maintaining their own departments, to contribute to the project. The towns’ total investment would be $600,000, split among the three based on population. While the Town of Ahnapee is solely served by the Algoma Fire Department, half of the Town of Lincoln is covered by the Luxemburg Fire Department and half of the Town of Pierce is covered by the Kewaunee Fire Department.

The towns would have no ownership stake in the building if they approve the plan, nor would they lose fire protection services if they decline.

Town of Lincoln Chairperson Jesse Jerabek says that they get great service from both departments and all three town chairpersons want to meet with their residents about the proposals as service contracts start to come up for renewal.

The three towns will host a joint informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Hall in Rankin. Residents will be able to weigh in on the proposal following a presentation.

The fire station is expected to open later this spring.