The high number of bidders for the new Morton firehouse was unexpected, but a sure sign of the times, fire chief Joe Kelley said.

The Morton village board approved a proposal from Peoria Metro Construction to construct the new fire Morton fire and rescue headquarters on West Courtland Street for $3,782,300.

The low bid was about $500,000 less than what was expected, Kelley said.

The village received a total of nine proposals, and more than 20 firms submitted bids.

Peoria Metro Construction is familiar with fire stations. The company built a station in Bloomington.

The village obtained a $4.5 million loan from Morton Community Bank to help pay for the new station. The loan incurs a 4.31 interest rate that is payable in 10 years.

On top of accepting the proposal from Peoria Metro Construction, the village board also approved the purchase of a new aerial unit for which the Morton Fire Department acquired a $725,500 grant.

The cost of the unit is $833,888 and will be acquired from Alexis Fire Equipment.

The bid was not the cheapest, but was the only bid that met the department’s standards.

The village will foot the $121,388 difference, in addition to equipment for the truck which Kelley said should amount to no more than $50,000.

• The village’s yard waste removal program will begin April 18 and last through May 8 at sewer treatment plant No. 2.

Mayor Norm Durflinger mentioned the possibility of either cutting the program or charging for it due to the village’s current financial standing. Such considerations would not apply to this year’s program, he added.

• The Morton plan commission approved the ordinance that would allow outdoor eating, drinking and seating.

The board will wait until the April 20 meeting to make a final vote.

• The village’s new water tower construction has begun and is expected to be fully operational by Sept. 1, trustee Betsy Yarcho announced.

The new tower is being constructed just west of the intersection at Veterans and Lakeland roads.