Council approves necessity resolution for $3.3M public works renovations bond tied to 277 Morrison Road acquisition

The Barre City Council on Sept. 30 approved a necessity resolution to place a $3.3 million public works renovations bond on the Nov. 4 ballot to fund conversion work at 277 Morrison Road, the warehouse the city acquired earlier this year.

City Manager Nicholas told the council the city purchased 277 Morrison Road for $3 million and needs to build garage ramps and overhead doors, a mechanics bay, interior drainage, exterior storage for salt and sand, and office renovations to consolidate public works on one site. Preliminary design work by DeWolf and cost estimates from the Dufresne Group put exterior renovations at about $1.5 million and interior work at about $1.445 million. With a 10% contingency the bond ask to cover renovations is $3.3 million, and staff estimated that a completely new build of similar size in the region would cost substantially more — producing an all-in estimated value near $6.3 million for a new facility.

Nicholas and councilors worked through operational benefits, including insurance and heating savings and improved security and storage. Staff said the city is renting its old garage through early next spring and would list the old Burnham Street facility for sale after moving. The manager said any sale proceeds would first reimburse the water fund, which paid cash for the acquisition, and that some space at 277 Morrison Road could be rented to offset operating costs.

The council voted to approve the necessity resolution and declaration of intent for the $3.3 million bond; councilors were told the project timeline was tight but, if voters approve the bond, the city aims for bidding this winter and a spring construction start with a goal to move in before the following winter.

Ending: Councilors described the project as a long-awaited solution to an outdated garage and said voters will decide the renovation bond on Nov. 4.