Select Board backs air-source heat-pump option for Town Hall HVAC, seeks funding on warrant

The Select Board voted on April 7 to recommend the air-source heat pump option (Option 1) for the Town Hall HVAC and emergency power replacement project, following an 86-page consultant report and staff presentation. The board’s recommendation will be reflected in the capital article on the town warrant.

Staff presented two conceptual options and cost estimates at the 40% design level: an air-source heat-pump project estimated at $3,373,631 (construction conceptual estimate) and a hybrid/geothermal approach at $4,426,999. The town intends to request $3,750,000 on the warrant to fund the project; staff explained that the warrant number covers expected costs and contingency and that final design and refined bids will follow appropriation.

Board members and staff focused discussion on total project scope—most of the project cost is not the heat pumps themselves but building upgrades, piping, fan coils, generator replacement, insulation work, and hazardous-material mitigation. Select Board member David said the air-source option offered better capital and operating cost outcomes and estimated long-term savings compared with the geothermal alternative. Staff noted Mass Save incentives and the town’s specialized stretch energy code influenced the analysis.

A motion to recommend Option 1 (air source heat pumps) passed unanimously. The board directed staff to prepare final design documents contingent upon receiving funding at Town Meeting, to proceed with final design if funding is appropriated, and to present refined cost estimates as the project proceeds.