Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board and staff discuss senior‑center HVAC replacement, funding options and broader budget pressures
Summary
Officials updated the board on proposals to replace the senior center HVAC system, estimates and funding options; the board discussed timing, potential rebates/grants, repurposing previous appropriations and broader town debt and tax‑rate implications.
Town staff and Select Board members discussed proposed replacement of the senior center heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning system and related budget decisions during the Oct. 20 meeting.
Staff said two engineering/contractor firms provided proposals for a full system replacement and that both estimates were slightly below the figure included on the draft warrant. The board reviewed three related warrant motions that will appear at town meeting: (1) transfer for a shortage, (2) repurposing previously approved funds to cover HVAC work if appropriate, and (3) a specific HVAC appropriation. The discussion emphasized that the full cost depends on the technology selected and that the town may need to remove a portion of the roof/attic to install a modern system.
Officials said the current 25‑year‑old system uses refrigerants and components now obsolete or expensive to service; replacement will require upsizing or replacing valves, motors and couplings in addition to swapping refrigerants. Staff noted that newer, higher‑efficiency equipment is likely to reduce utility and maintenance costs over time, but upfront cost differs by technology. The town has about $120,000 already appropriated for the building and the warrant language is intended to allow repurposing any excess if the final HVAC cost is lower than the warrant amount; the board emphasized that spending for a full roof replacement would require a separate appropriation.
Contractors and staff said some utility companies (Eversource, National Grid) may offer rebates on high‑efficiency electric systems or heat pumps, but the town is not eligible for Green Communities grants. Staff will pursue available utility programs and potential grants and report back. The board asked staff to be prepared to explain rebate and grant opportunities at the advisory hearing and to note whether a lease‑purchase or financing option could spread costs over time for large equipment purchases.
Board members placed the HVAC discussion in the context of other large projects and the town’s debt schedule — including the water‑district allocation, road and bridge projects and a future fire‑department bond — and said delaying or staging some capital items could help preserve budget flexibility. No final appropriation vote occurred at the Oct. 20 meeting; staff said the HVAC warrant language and timing will be presented at the advisory hearing and at town meeting.
