Selectmen set public hearing on town‑hall space needs; staff proposes office trailer as near‑term fix

WELLS, Maine — Facing a shortage of office space and archived records storage at town hall, the Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday to schedule a public hearing on Sept. 16 to consider near‑term measures, including leasing a modular office trailer.

Town Manager Mike (staff member) told the board existing back‑room shelving that holds vital records could be dismantled and moved, but staff said Connex boxes and off‑site storage posed risks (water intrusion, freezing) and would not meet the town’s retention and access needs. As an alternative, staff proposed leasing a 64×24 modular office unit to create four offices and a conference area along the front parking lot; the lease estimate presented to the board was about $65,000 per year.

The office trailer option would allow staff to relocate personnel who currently work in cramped or substandard locations, provide better proximity between human‑resources functions and payroll/administration, and preserve the town’s vital records in an accessible format. Staff said a modular unit could be mobilized quickly and that a lease‑with‑purchase option could be explored if the town needed a longer‑term solution.

Selectmen voted to hold a public hearing on Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Littlefield Meeting Room to receive public input before authorizing funds. Staff proposed to identify and use an emergency facility fund line if the board chooses to authorize a near‑term lease after public input.

Why it matters: Town offices are reporting capacity and retention issues as service needs grow. A modular office trailer would be a stopgap to provide workspace while the town completes a facility study and assesses capital options.

Next steps: The board set a public hearing for Sept. 16 to receive comments and consider authorizing funds; staff will prepare cost comparisons and lease‑purchase options to present at that hearing.