Habersham buys property for new fire station

CLARKESVILLE - The Habersham County Commission is laying the groundwork for an additional fire station in the Turnerville area.

Following a closed session at the end of Monday night's meeting commissioners voted to purchase 4.45 acres of property on Orchard Road at Bear Gap Road in the Turnerville community.

The property is being purchased from Murray Provine for $74,750.

During budget meetings late last week Habersham County Fire Chief Jeff Cain said the station should be staffed with paid firefighters if it's to be of benefit to the county.

Commissioners said during the budget meeting they will anticipate the need to hire three people for the firefighter position at the new station in the 2016-17 budget.