$2.36M contract ignites tempers
Staff reports

CAREFREE – The town’s plans to build a $2.36 million fire station ignited some tempers Jan. 9 when Carefree Town Council voted to award the construction contract.

“The citizens need to know exactly what was spent on the firehouse,” Councilman Bob Coady said during discussions to award the contract to Arizona Builders Inc.

To which Mayor Ed Morgan replied, “I think the citizens pretty well understand this,  (even though) there may be a problem on  the council.”

Coady raised the issue about the total cost to taxpayers when factoring in additional costs, such as the fire engine, purchased last year for $550,000, architect’s fees totaling $242,500, and construction administration costs between $59,000 and $60,000. The cost to purchase the station site, at Tom Darlington Drive and Lucky Lane near the town core, was $516,000. 

Tempers flared when resident Jim Peirce, who is running for a seat on the council, publicly insinuated he might file a lawsuit.

Standing at the podium, Peirce asked council to postpone their vote on the contract until after the March election.

Looking directly at representatives from Arizona Builders, Peirce said to council, “I urge you to avoid the possibility of litigation.”

As Peirce walked away, Morgan raised his voice, asking: “Is that a threat of litigation to Arizona Builders?”

Councilman Wayne Fulcher, reacting to Peirce’s remark, said: “That was out of order ... threatening a person before a vote.”

Council approved the construction bid by a 6‑1 vote, with Coady dissenting.

“This is a difficult vote for me ... the cost of the building is more than I can support at this time,” he said.

By Coady’s estimates, the actual total cost of the station is about $3.5 million.

Councilman Lloyd Meyer said he thinks the council acted properly in their planning for the new station.

“There are no surprises here. This has been very well managed,” Meyer commented as he cast his vote.

Expressing his dismay at Peirce’s remarks, Morgan said: “I find it impossible to believe that someone could say they are a candidate for this council and run on a platform against the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.”

The new fire station, which will also serve as an emergency center in the event of a disaster, is slated to be completed in September.