Next week, Saco voters will decide whether to borrow $6 million for the construction of a new fire station. The current station is small and in poor condition, and city officials make a good case that it is time to replace it.

The financial timing seems appropriate because Saco’s overall debt will drop once it retires two school bonds, in 2011 and 2012. Interest rates are currently low, and it is likely that competitive bids for the construction of a new station on North Street will result in a better price now than later.

As Mayor Roland Michaud recently put it, “The time is right.”

Interestingly, the main argument against a new station seems to be that the time is wrong.

Speaking in opposition, City Councilor Arthur Tardiff raises several objections, but his clincher is: “It’s not the right time to spend $10 million.”

Taxpayers have the right to expect the city to make economically sound decisions, and advocates make a strong dollars-and-cents case for this project. Besides the fact that borrowing and construction costs are low, there are other economic arguments to be made on behalf of the station.

Home and business insurance rates are factored, in part, on fire department response times and the current station provides a poor starting point for most calls. A better location may make residents safer and lower their insurance bills. And once the department’s equipment choices are no longer limited by the size of the station, it will be free to bargain for better prices.

Although today’s economy may seem to make it a risky time for a big investment, the project will be financed over a period of years that is very likely to take us into better economic times. The city has a good history of long-term planning, and Saco taxpayers have gotten an excellent return on the investment made in 1938.

But finances are not the full measure of the Fire Department and its service to the city. There seems to be little disagreement that the current station is a handicap for firefighters.

There is barely enough space for the vehicles and equipment the department now has, and not enough for apparatus that reflects new needs or technological improvements. Access via Thornton Avenue is difficult because of road width and traffic.

The station’s problems and liabilities are known best by those who work in it. The bays are so small that on a wintry day or night, snow must be swept from an engines roof before it can be backed in. Plumbing and electrical systems are substandard, it has water-damaged masonry and the asbestos flooring is patched.

The proposed station on North Street would provide 21,660 square feet for equipment, administration and living quarters. Plans call for it to be energy efficient and economical. Supporters believe the ambulance fund will cover the costs of the bond.

Next Tuesday is voting day, and there was concern that turnout must exceed 1,300 for a vote in favor to be valid. Absentee ballots already exceed that number but we still  encourage voters to make their preferences known.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com or City Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski at kristenm@journaltribune.com.