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Subcommittee preauthorizes nearly $42,000 to cover potential fire‑district plan‑review fees
Summary
Facing an impasse with local fire districts charging plan‑review fees on municipal school projects, the Building Subcommittee authorized up to $41,833 from project contingency to cover a Dunst review fee if required, while pursuing discussions with fire chiefs and the town manager to resolve the wider issue.
The Westerly Public Schools Building Subcommittee voted to preauthorize the use of project contingency funds — up to $41,833 — to cover potential plan‑review fees charged by a local fire district for the Dunst project if negotiations do not resolve the issue.
Presiding member Justin Hopkins explained that municipal building departments typically waive plan‑review fees for taxpayer‑funded projects but that Westerly’s independent fire districts are entitled under state law to charge review fees. "If we utilize the full amount they're authorized to charge, it would be approximately the $160,000 range for [three projects]," Hopkins said, characterizing the potential scale of the impact on project contingencies.
Staff and members discussed past practice, possible lower‑cost third‑party review alternatives, and outreach strategies. Hopkins asked the subcommittee for formal permission to use contingency funds if required; the motion to authorize the expenditure of $41,833 for the Dunst review fee was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Committee members recommended continuing negotiations and inviting the fire chiefs to a school committee meeting to place positions on the record. Staff noted the town manager and council president will be informed and that the item may recur at future public meetings as the parties seek a longer‑term resolution.
