Acton Finance Committee votes not to recommend $35.2M DPW building plan, cites tariffs and timing

The Acton Finance Committee voted to "not recommend" Article 7, which would authorize borrowing for construction of a new Department of Public Works facility at 14 Forest Road.

At the meeting the committee read a prepared statement criticizing the project's fiscal impact and timing. The statement said the total project cost was roughly $37.995 million and that the borrowing authorization sought was $35.200,690. The committee said the project would add to taxpayer costs over 30 years and that the owner's contingency (about 5.2 percent) may be insufficient given broad, unsettled tariff action affecting building materials.

"Our primary concern is the project's financial impact on Acton's budget and taxpayers," the committee's statement said. The committee estimated in the prepared text that the project "would add $274.55 to the average single‑family tax bill and $160.41 to the average condominium bill over the next 30 years," based on a stated bond assumption.

Members also voiced concern that the plan would draw $1,555,000 from the capital stabilization fund, leaving less room for other capital priorities. Committee members said they recognized the department's staffing and operational needs but argued staffing could be addressed separately from the building size and scope.

After discussion the committee took a roll‑call vote and approved a motion to not recommend Article 7. The committee also voted to publicize the committee's concerns and to encourage consideration of smaller or phased alternatives that reduce near‑term borrowing and exposure to material‑cost volatility.

Committee members said the vote reflected timing and risk rather than a denial that the DPW has long‑standing facility needs; they said they intend to work with town staff on scaled options that could be considered in future warrants.