The Gearhart City Council has voted unanimously to put a bond measure to finance a new firehouse on the November ballot.

An estimated $13 million is needed to fund the project near Highlands Lane and U.S. Highway 101.

A recent geotech analysis of the surrounding area revealed the dune at the site is 2,000 years older than a previously targeted location for a firehouse, meaning there will not be a need for a more difficult type of foundation.

“This is one of very few places in Gearhart with land like this,” City Administator Chad Sweet said.

A recent city survey found that 65% of respondents were in favor of building the new firehouse and 60% supported the bond financing.

Of the 554 survey respondents, however, just 309 were registered voters. A narrower portion of voters — 51% — were in favor of both the new firehouse and the bond.

The survey was the second by the city on a new firehouse. A 2019 survey identified the High Point site on North Marion as the preferable location.

The city wants to move the aging firehouse on Pacific Way to help better prepare emergency operations for an earthquake and tsunami.