Ambulance Board continues architect negotiations on building renovations

The Callaway County Ambulance District Board is still in deliberation with an architect firm, but hopes to have a deal to get started on a facility renovation project soon.

In closed executive session of its monthly meeting Oct. 15 and a separate closed meeting Oct. 16, the board heard from four architect firms who would handle a two-phase project to increase training and storage space at the Ambulance District's headquarters, 311 Hickman Ave.

"We did select one of the four and those negotiations are still ongoing," CCAD Director Charlie Anderson said. "We're looking at trying to potentially redo the facility, maybe add some space and rearrange how our training room is. The training room and the crew quarters are really close together, and it really is difficult for that to work."

Anderson said the CCAD board has had a building committee to develop broad ideas for renovations needed at the facility. The first phase of the project would have the firm study those plans, the building and the ambulance district's needs, while the second phase - continuing with board approval - would be executing the renovations.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.