The Chelsea Area Fire Authority fire station will soon get a $130,000 makeover.

During the last several years, the fire authority board has discussed building a new fire station but recently decided on a unanimous vote to renovate the current building at 200 West Middle St.

Cost was the overriding factor in deciding to renovate instead of build a new facility.

“Given the current economic outlook, I believe it would be unfair to ask our citizens to approve higher taxes to provide the funds necessary to build a new building,” Chelsea Fire Chief Jim Payeur wrote in a memo to the CAFA board.

Payeur also recommended keeping the fire station in its current spot, which is centrally located within the service area of Chelsea, Lima, Lyndon, Sylvan and Dexter townships. Member municipalities recently approved a 1.8 mill tax levy to pay for fire service.

The project includes replacement of the existing roof, siding and trim, relocating the overhead doors and closing in an area at the front that will increase available space for dispatch and allow for better customer service to residents who stop by the station. Money for the project will come from CAFA’s building fund.

Three bids were received for the renovations, and the lowest bidder was Phoenix Contractors of Ann Arbor, Payeur said.

Lisa Allmendinger is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lallmendinger@sbcglobal.net.