By Shavonne Potts

Salisbury Post

LANDIS — Because of an oversight in the plans for the construction of Fire Station No. 2, there is an extra expense to replace the metal roof on town hall. The project is already costing more than $830,000.

The Board of Aldermen gave its approval Monday to spending an additional $14,281 so the roof will match what is being placed on the fire station.

Town Administrator Reed Linn said he didn’t know if the oversight was on the part of the construction company or the town.

Construction on the fire station, which is connected to, but located behind, city hall, began in July. The project is financed through a 40-year, low-interest loan and already is behind on its projected five-month completion schedule. Before the construction began, contractors said the completion date would be mid-January. Now it seems March 15 will be the completion date.

The board could have painted the blue metal roof to match the red chosen, but contractors couldn’t guarantee it wouldn’t need repainting next year.

The board chose to use money from the town’s contingency fund, about $83,000 set aside for emergencies.

The fire station will have space for a day room, kitchen, offices, bathroom, showers and a storage facility. There will be three bay areas to park the fire trucks. The new fire station will be a metal frame building connected to the town board’s meeting room.

A public entrance will be created and lead into the fire station and town board chambers. The hall-like area dividing the two buildings will be used as a gallery space to display town memorabilia.

The changes to the board room include new carpet, paint and relocation of the landing area where aldermen sit. A wall behind that landing will be knocked down, allowing more floor space.

A vestibule, restrooms, break room and handicapped access are being incorporated into the plans. The room will also be furnished with audio/visual equipment.

The board also:

* Decided to hold its annual budget retreat March 10 at the Kannapolis Country Club beginning at 8:30 a.m. .

The retreat is typically an all-day session and is open to the public.

* Approved certification of firefighters. Fire Chief Reed Linn said there are 28 firefighters on the department’s roster and all have received or exceeded the minimum number of required hours.

* Approved July 14 as Landis Municipal Day of Memory honoring President Gerald Ford for his achievements and contributions to the country.