Trustees for the Village of Tivoli voted to approve a bond resolution authorizing the issuance of serial bonds not to exceed $3,582,658 to finance part of an estimated $4,414,363 renovation and expansion of the village firehouse. The resolution was described as subject to permissive referendum and includes a delegation of certain powers to the treasurer to complete financing steps.

Board members said the measure is a financing step needed before the village can release construction bids. Officials told the board that several funding partners — including state, federal and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs — have indicated support but that lenders and grantors typically require evidence of local financing commitment before bids are issued and contracts awarded.

According to the resolution text discussed at the meeting, the bond authorization covers a portion of the project cost and is being taken now so the project can move to the bidding stage. The trustees were told that after bids are received the village will know the exact construction price and will continue pursuing additional funds and private or public contributions to cover the remaining cost.

The board approved the measure by voice vote. The resolution delegates to the treasurer the administrative authority needed to carry out bond issuance under the Local Finance Law and makes the action subject to permissive referendum as provided by law.

Background: trustees said the project has been under study since 2019. Officials and community speakers described the measure as the next step in a long-running effort to expand and renovate the firehouse so it can meet current needs and accommodate equipment and personnel.