Select Board hears schematic design and $65M estimate for new police station
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Summary
The Select Board received schematic plans for a proposed ~47,700 sq. ft. police station at 100 Brick Kiln Road and an early construction estimate of $65 million, which would add about $135–$225 per year to the median homeowner’s tax bill depending on debt term and interest assumptions.
The Falmouth Police Station Advisory Committee and the project team presented schematic plans and an early cost estimate for a proposed new police station at 100 Brick Kiln Road during the Select Board’s April 13 meeting.
Boyd DeMoe, chair of the advisory committee, summarized community outreach and design revisions made after abutter feedback — including moving a staff driveway and relocating an impound/outbuilding farther from Brick Kiln Road — and noted Phase I environmental and geotechnical work had been completed. Vertex project manager Steve Kirby reviewed a conceptual floor plan (about 47,713 square feet) showing a protected entry, evidence and booking areas, locker rooms, training and community engagement spaces, dispatch and communications suites, and an evidence/equipment outbuilding.
Town staff said cost consultants are providing independent estimates; early schematic estimates peg construction at about $65 million, in addition to roughly $5 million already borrowed for design. Under assumptions of 20–30 year borrowing and 4–5% interest, preliminary annual debt service was estimated at roughly $4–$6.5 million, producing an estimated tax impact of roughly $135–$225 per year on a median single‑family home (median value cited in the presentation: $792,000). Officials emphasized these are initial estimates and that two independent cost estimators will reconcile the numbers before a final figure is presented.
Board members pressed the team about circulation and response times from the site, the security fence location and tree removal, the status of a proposed indoor modular shooting range, and whether furnishings and soft costs were included (staff said soft costs and furnishings are included in the total project estimate). The committee said further community forums and updated cost estimates will be presented as schematic design yields more detailed pricing.
The board did not take a funding decision at the meeting; members emphasized continued community outreach, further cost reconciliation and more detailed tax‑impact modeling ahead of any borrowing vote.
