The Henry County Board of Commissioners gave final approval January 8 to the construction of the replacement for Fire Station 8, awarding a $2,691,000 bid for the project.

  A $1,216,000 budget amendment was necessary, taking money out of fund balance to reach the required project total. The work will be done by J.R. Bowman Construction of McDonough.

  The new station, at 975 Jodeco Road between Meridian Drive and Summer Leigh Drive, will replace the former station which was on Flippen Road for more than 30 years. That facility was shut down in late 2016 after falling into disrepair and being deemed unsafe. Temporary facilities were constructed on that site, but development and traffic changes over time led county officials to select another site for the permanent station.   The commissioners also approved a lease program for three Pierce Enforcer Pumpers at a cost of $365,992.34 per year for a total of $1,829,961.70 over a five-year period. A county staff report indicated that this is considered an emergency purchase due to the need for the equipment. At the end of the lease term, the Henry County Fire Department wants to execute the lease purchase plan outlined in the lease agreement.