Jamestown staff propose multi‑million dollar bond package including senior center, public‑works and Fort Getty investments; council seeks public discussion onRV

Town staff presented a proposed multi‑project bond program that would fund a mix of building repairs, equipment replacement and park infrastructure, and councilors asked for additional public engagement on Fort Getty before committing to large borrowing.

What was proposed: Town Administrator/Finance staff outlined four project groupings the town could consider for bonding within the next 24 months: - Senior Center renovation and HVAC/electrical upgrades (presented total about $885,000 on the project sheet after back‑out of existing capital; staff said a detailed floor plan and cost breakdown would be provided at a subsequent meeting). - Town Hall and Recreation Center repairs, including roofs, windows, HVAC improvements and storage solutions (subtotals in staff materials: town-hall subtotal ~$535,000; recreation center ~$750,000 less $100,000 existing capital). - Fire‑department station, dispatch and self-contained breathing apparatus replacement (combined project subtotal presented around $1.618 million, partly offset by prior capital and equipment bond balances). - DPW equipment replacement (a package presented at about $950,000 to be timed toward the end of a 24‑month window).

Fort Getty discussion: The biggest single park item staff identified was Fort Getty improvements tied to the campground and day‑use park. Staff reported 2024 gross camping revenue of about $551,000 (all camping categories). They reported RV revenue alone at approximately $499,000, annual RV operating expenses at about $90,000 and a 2024 net from RV camping near $400,000 after expenses. Staff estimated annual utilities at the park (electricity and water) at roughly $40,000 and proposed an electrical upgrade for the RV sites costing about $500,000 to convert many 30‑amp hookups to modern 50‑amp service and add metering; staff said a $500,000 bond for that work would carry a 20‑year principal‑and‑interest cost of about $775,000.

Why Fort Getty drew strong comment: Councilors and residents raised competing priorities: Fort Getty’s RV revenues support town recreation budgets, but only a small number of Jamestown residents use RV stalls (staff said about five resident RV users), and several speakers urged a broader public process on sustainability, sea‑level impacts and the park’s long‑term purpose. One resident asked the council for a climate- and sustainability‑driven master plan for Fort Getty before major capital investments. Staff said the lower-bathroom replacement and a park maintenance building are needs whether or not the council continues the current RV model, and that some sitework and potable-water work would be required for any option.

Next steps: Councilors asked staff to present a senior‑center floor plan and timing at the next meeting, and to place Fort Getty on a future agenda for a public workshop or possible ad‑hoc committee. Staff said the bond package is a planning tool and that bond timing and debt‑service layering would be refined as council direction is provided.

No bond or appropriation was adopted at the meeting; councilors directed staff to return with more detail and public engagement options before decisions on borrowing.