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The fire department, recreation center and public works facility in Decatur are all slated for major renovations next year as part of the city’s urban redevelopment plan. The city will have to issue about $13.8 million in municipal bonds for the projects, said City Manager Peggy Merriss.

The city is trying to get its facilities modernized, Merriss said. “We have some pretty serious maintenance issues.”

The work on the fire station at 230 East Trinity Place should begin in early 2011, Merriss said. Built in the late 1950s, the station will have its interior gutted and rebuilt. Showers, dormitory space for men and women, and geothermal heating are part of the plans for the structure.

Merriss said the recreation center at 231 Sycamore Street needs a major interior renovation. The plans call for multipurpose gymnasium facilities, an elevated walking trail and additional administrative offices. A shock-absorbent floor will be installed to be used for dance, aerobics and Tai Chi classes. The center will also get new lockers, electrical wiring and HVAC systems.

The city’s public works department, built in 1968, will get central air conditioning; it has never had air conditioning, Merriss said. The building will be expanded to include administrative offices for the planning and zoning department to consolidate all permitting into one building.

Once under way, construction for each of the projects is expected to take 12-15 months, Merriss said.

The city commission is expected to vote this month on whether it will proceed with issuing the bonds for these projects.