BUCKFIELD — At Annual Town Meeting on Saturday residents will be asked to authorize the town treasurer to act on the town’s behalf to obtain a loan, not to exceed $160,000, with which to start construction on a new fire-rescue station.

The proceeds from the loan will specifically be used for 10 items. Installation of a sprinkler would cost an estimated $30,000, paving of the area would cost around $38,000, and $23,000 is needed for a 700-square-foot second floor level in the building.

Other costs include installation for paint on window sills, upgrade to a PVC exterior trim, upgrade to a ‘trench’ style interior drain, air conditioning, interior wall paint, a kitchen upgrade and upgrade to 50-year lifespan asphalt shingles. The town is also taking into consideration the inflation factor that could account for $27,500 by the time the project is done.

When asked why the town would want the new fire-rescue station, town clerk and fire-rescue station committee member Cindy Dunn’s answer was simple.

“The more important thing is need,” she said.

According to Dunn, the current building is old, not structurally sound, and has deteriorated.

At last year’s Annual Town Meeting, voters approved the demolition of the current fire-rescue station on Route 117 and the construction of a new one. The cost of the new building will be $1 million, including a $850,000 construction budget. About $150,000 will cover the costs of engineers, architects and other professionals.

“It’s expensive to have those people on board,” said Dunn.

The building will be completely upgraded and rebuilt.

Dunn said that the project will go out to bid on June 17, three days after Town Meeting, if the funds are approved.

The Fire-Rescue Station Committee will meet with the Buckfield Selectboard Tuesday, June 24, with a recommendation for the bids and decide which contractor to use for construction.

“Depending on the outcome, it’s possible that the selectmen will be signing contracts that Tuesday,” said Dunn.

The town is hoping to save money through the bidding process, she said, adding that if contractors are signed on June 24, the town is hoping to have the groundbreaking for the new Fire-Rescue Station on June 30 or July 1.