Members of Marion City Council are in the preliminary stages of discussions which will lead to the construction of a new fire station. Much of Monday night’s two-hour and 15-minute meeting was devoted to discussing the fire station.

Although no timetable was announced, there were indications that construction could come within two years. One of the major points being considered is location. A desirable site would be one within the central business district and near streets that would permit quick travel to any part of town.

It was agreed that it would be best to build a new station with funds from current revenues rather than increase taxes. One method is to have a private contractor build the station, with the city obtaining it through a lease-purchase agreement. Mayor Robert L. Butler said that experts today feel that it is better to have one well equipped fire station than two stations.

Public Safety Commissioner Rex Presson said that he and Fire Chief James C. Dungey have been discussing a new fire station.

(Extracted from local newspapers and compiled by Harry Boyd, posted at http://www.marionfire.us )