HORSEHEADS, NY (WENY) -- A facility study of the Horseheads Village Fire Department shows the building is in need of significant repairs and improvements.

The results of the facility study on the fire department, conducted by Hunt Engineers, Architects & Surveyors, was presented to the Horseheads Village Board of Trustees Thursday evening. The study found the fire department building was in need of mostly structural and architectural repairs. However, some other components are not up to current code standards, and would need to be updated. 

Overall, the representative said the fire department building is well-maintained, but needs system upgrades. Among the issues identified:
- The parking lots are at the end of their useful life
- There are concerns regarding drainage from the truck bays
- The building's back staircase is not up to code
- The roof is at the end of its useful life
- Fire truck bay doors need replacement
- Some of the building's masonry is cracking
- Repairs are needed to some interior concrete slabs
- Some areas of the building have accessibility issues/do not meet ADA requirements

In total, Hunt EAS says if all of the recommended issues with the fire department were addressed, it would cost $8 million. By contrast, the cost of a new fire department building would be between $9 million and $14 million. 

Right now, the village is not taking any action as a result of the study. Mayor Kevin Adams said the dollar amount associated with the project is disconcerting, but he is thankful the village is now armed with the information as it considers the next steps. Adams says more information is needed before making any decisions; additionally, an upcoming facility study will be performed on the village DPW building, and the pool beginning in the fall. After that, Adams said the totality of everything can be taken into consideration before moving forward. The village also plans to reach out to the town regarding potential collaboration on improvement projects.