SeaTac lawmakers have decided to proceed with construction of a headquarters fire station in McMicken Heights.

Earlier, the council approved preliminary design plans including the purchase of four homes for the expanded station.

But at a subsequent meeting, council members authorized a tentative consultant's study of where the city's fire stations should be located.

Then on May 8, the lawmakers unanimously approved a final design and budget. Councilwoman Terry Anderson was absent.

Facilities director Pat Patterson told council members the final budget had increased to $5.1 million, a 9.5 per cent increase over the estimate six months ago. Patterson blamed rapidly rising construction costs.

Councilman Joe Brennan indicated he would reluctantly go along with siting the station because of the funds already spent.

"I still think it is the wrong station at the wrong place and it is too much money, but we've gone too far now," Brennan declared.

Councilman Don DeHan suggested the consultant's scope of work be changed to a study of a regional approach to emergency services.

"We have enough data for SeaTac but we don't have enough information on a regional basis," DeHan noted.

Brennan asked why Tukwila, North Highline or Burien are not paying for the regional study.

Mayor Gene Fisher replied that an earthquake or terrorist attack would be a regional problem so SeaTac should be willing to pay for a look at a regional concept for public safety.