BUCKFIELD — An architect told selectmen Tuesday night that it would likely be less expensive to build a fire/rescue station than to remodel the 1951 station, which has numerous code violations.

Andrew Hyland, principal of Port City Architecture in Portland, gave an illustrated talk on the two options being considered to house the Fire/Rescue Department.

Plan A is to remodel the present facility; Plan B is to tear it down and build a single-story station.

Hyland said the town needs approximately 8,000 square feet of useable space. Remodeling the two-story station would require an additional 1,000 square feet for enclosed stairways and elevators required to meet code.

He said there are numerous code violations in the existing structure, many involving life safety.

“The State Fire Marshal could close down the facility based on applicable codes. Once you start any remodeling, all current codes kick in,” he said.

“Our recommendation is to build an economical new building,” Hyland said, because it would better meet the needs, be more economical and wouldn’t have all the uncertainties associated with remodeling the 1951 structure.

“That building has served the town well,” he said, “but now it is just old and tired.”

The new station is estimated to cost $1,204,328, he said.

Remodeling the old building is estimated to cost $1,320,9992, but could go higher depending on what is found in it. Hyland said these prices are based on costs in the Portland and local costs might be less.

The new station is designed with wood framing to facilitate participation by local contractors.

“That way, the money is likely to return to the local economy,” Hyland said.

Selectmen were particularly interested that all incidental expenses be included in the estimate.

At a recent town budget meeting, it was decided to reject a proposal by Buckfield Rescue Chief Lisa Buck to pay volunteers who are on call Saturday and Sunday $2 per hour.

Selectman Warren Wright proposed selectmen reconsider that decision and add the money to the budget.

Buck said the payment arrangement “works in other towns.” She said it’s difficult to man the ambulances on weekends. If her department can’t respond, other towns will take the call if they have a staffed vehicle available, but they may take half an hour to respond to a call that Buckfield could reach in four minutes, she said.

Selectman Martha Catevenis said she appreciated the problem but was against changing the budget.

“If the residents want it, then they can add it at town meeting,” she said.

Wright’s motion failed on a tie vote.

It was announced that the public hearing on the RSU 10 budget is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 23 in the Town Office. Voters will decide on an amount May 30 and validate it at a referendum at the polls on June 11.