The Mercer Island City Council has decided to create an bond issue regarding the renovation of the South end fire station that would go on November’s ballot.

The council met June 16 at the Community Center at Mercer View to hear presentations from architects regarding the potential design of the fire station and the cost outline of the project.

“We are trying to keep it a lean project,” deputy city manager Noel Treat said.

The possible bond issue on the November ballot will be asking for less than $5 million from citizens. It will also include funding for replacements of self-contained breathing apparatuses that firefighters use when inside burning buildings and partial funds for the replacement of the fire trucks over the next 5-10 years.

The council agreed that the station is at the end of its useful life and would be in the best interest of public safety to renovate it; however, the costs will remain at or below average of other cities’ similar projects.

At the next two meetings, proceedings will continue towards putting the measure on November’s ballot. The finalized bond will be read at the July 16 meeting, and councilmembers will ask questions and discuss it. Then they will vote on whether or not to put it on the ballot at the Aug. 6 meeting.

Design plans for the fire station are available at www.mercergov.org.