New Lenox Fire Board Approves $3.1 Million Budget for Station 2 Construction

New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026

Article Summary:
The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $3.1 million construction budget for Station 2. The finalized budget includes dedicated funding for preventative concrete and asphalt repairs to the station’s Maple Avenue entrance to address deteriorating conditions.

Station 2 Construction Key Points:

• Budget Approved: A $3,100,000 budget was passed to continue the ongoing construction at Station 2.

• Entrance Repairs: The budget contains a $123,893 line item specifically designated for concrete paving and widening at the Maple Avenue entrance.

• Preventative Approach: Trustees noted the concrete and asphalt were in worse condition than originally estimated, prompting the Board to execute the repairs now while construction crews are already on-site.

• Operational Phasing: The general contractor, Northern, has actively phased the construction work to limit disruptions to the fire crews operating out of the facility.

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, January 19, 2026, voted to approve a $3.1 million budget to fund the ongoing construction and site improvements at Fire Station 2.

The unanimous approval followed a recent review meeting with Northern, the general contractor managing the project, to clarify specific budget additions and repair estimates. The approved $3,100,000 budget figure will ultimately be tied to an upcoming bond ordinance expected at the Board’s next meeting.

A significant point of discussion centered on the deteriorating conditions of the station’s driveway. The budget features a $123,893 line item to cover additional site concrete paving, which will be utilized to repair and widen the facility’s Maple Avenue entrance.

District officials noted that the $123,893 figure represents a “worst-case” estimate, as the specific line item is currently out for bid. The District hopes the final cost will come in under that projection.

Trustee Popp advocated for the inclusion of the entrance overhaul, noting that the existing concrete and asphalt are in worse shape than originally thought. Popp emphasized that it is safer and more cost-effective to conduct preventative repairs correctly now while heavy construction equipment is already mobilized at the site.

Deputy Chief Randolph reported that construction at Station 2 is making good progress. He commended Northern for successfully phasing the construction to minimize the impact on the active crews stationed at the facility.

The budget was approved in a 5-0 roll call vote, following a motion by Trustee Scanlan and a second by Trustee Fischer.