T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Brookside Fire Chief Allan Ketzell discusses the proposed 3-mill fire levy during Monday’s village council meeting. The levy, which will generate around $30,000 for the department, will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot.

BROOKSIDE — A proposed fire levy would help generate around $30,000 a year for the village and aid with construction of a new firehouse and municipal building.

The new structure would replace the current joint facility, which is in deteriorating condition.

Fire Chief Allan Ketzell spoke about the 3-mill levy during Monday’s Brookside Village Council meeting.

Ketzell said the estimated cost of a new facility is around $800,000, which he said is about half the cost of other newly constructed firehouses in the area.

“Bethlehem is building a firehouse right now for $1.5 million, and Barton is building a firehouse for $1.5 (million). We’ve taken and gone down as much as we can to get through and get everything done,” he said.

Ketzell said the garage will be constructed first on another village-owned property, located on the corner of Patterson and National roads.

He said the village has secured a $266,000 revolving loan that will aid in the construction of the first phase.

The second phase would consist of the second half of the building — the “living quarters” — which will be paid for from the funds generated by the levy, if voters approve it. Not only will the new firehouse offer adequate space to house the department’s vehicles, equipment and personnel, but it will also be used to host community functions such as movie nights, birthday parties and more.

Ketzell said if the levy is not approved, officials will have to try and secure grants for the project. He said there are few grants available for constructing a new building.

The current joint facility shared by the fire department and municipal government was built in 1934.

The building is in a floodplain area and has incurred flood damage dozens of times over the years. He said the concrete walls are shifting and crumbling in the basement.

If passed, the levy will generate around $30,000 per year for the department.

A homeowner with a $100,000 home would pay $90 a year.

If the homeowner is eligible for the Homestead Exemption, the cost would be $63.75 per year.

In an effort to better inform residents about the levy, Ketzell said he is planning to hold an open house early next month, where he will answer questions while showing residents around the current facility.

He said department officials also plan to go door-to-door to pass out pamphlets that explain the levy and provide residents with tax evaluations.

The fire levy will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot.