Ellicottville Fire Hall: Public to Vote on $4.5M Upgrade Project September 1
Ellicottville Fire Hall: Public to Vote on $4.5M Upgrade Project September 1
Ellicottville Fire Commission says aging infrastructure and growing emergency call volumes make a $4.5 million Fire Hall upgrade necessary.
The numbers speak for themselves. Since January 1st, the Ellicottville Fire Department responded to 146 calls. The Ellicottville/Great Valley Ambulances responded to 337 calls. There’s no question how critical this all-volunteer force is to our community. On Tuesday, September 1st, the Ellicottville Fire Commission encourages the public to vote on a proposed $4.5M in upgrades to the Fire Hall.
Built in 1996, the Fire Hall as it currently stands needs significant work. Many critical systems - such as the HVAC, boiler and emergency generator - have exceeded their serviceable life and will need to be replaced. Ellicottville Fire Commission Lead Chairperson Mike Timkey said an upgrade of the proposed caliber needs to happen sooner than later.
“We understand how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated force made up entirely of volunteers,” he said. “With how many calls they’re responding to each month, they - and our community - deserve a fire hall that’s aesthetically nice while providing the tools and atmosphere they need to best do their job.”
The process began two years ago, when the Fire Commission realized many of the critical infrastructure systems would need to be replaced. At this rate, replacing something like an aging HVAC system will ultimately be cheaper than continuing to fix it. And while the Fire Hall currently adheres to all local, state and federal codes, there will be a time when that won’t be the case and the Commission would be forced to adapt quickly.
“We want to get ahead - plan for the future and be proactive instead of reactive,” Timkey said. “We believe the time is NOW to take care of all of these things in one stroke.”
The $4.5M project, spread out over 20 years, will add approximately $0.248 per $1,000 of assessed value. The levy will be distributed equally to properties in the Town, Village and half of Mansfield that now falls in the Ellicottville fire district. Initially, the Commission considered a 30-year bond but decided against it - saving over $1.5M in interest in doing so.
“For what the Fire Department provides to our community, the levy is well worth it in the opinion of the Commission.” Timkey said. “And the money will completely transform the Fire Hall.”
Key upgrades include a 2,400 square foot addition that will primarily become two dedicated ambulance bays. New overhead apparatus doors will be installed at each of the current bays. There will be separation of turnout gear from the equipment/apparatus bays as well as a dedicated decontamination area to improve the health and safety of the firefighters and EMTs.
The exterior of the building will see an entirely new roof system with proper overhangs and new limited-maintenance cladding/siding, while the interior receives a dedicated workout space, new ADA-compliant bathrooms, and upgrades/updates to all major mechanical systems. Kinley Contractors of Allegany will do the work.
“This is a visible, tangible upgrade for the community and one that they can be proud of,” Timkey said. “It’s imperative that we provide a safe, modern space to retain our current firefighters and EMTs and make it easier to recruit new ones. They are an integral part of our community and deserve a Fire Hall that reflects that.”
If the vote passes, construction will begin immediately and the Commission expects about a year before it’s fully finished. The vote will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 6:00-9:00pm at the Ellicottville Fire Hall. More information can be found on the Ellicottville Volunteer Fire Department Facebook Page or by emailing evfd.commissioners@gmail.com.
