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Building committee presents schematic designs and cost timeline for new municipal complex
Summary
The building committee reported progress on schematic design for a combined police station, fire station and town offices, asked for two independently costed schematic options and recommended prioritizing public-safety features; architects will produce two cost estimates within 30–45 days and the committee expects to take the project to a fall town meeting.
The Select Board heard an extended update from the building committee on schematic design work for a proposed municipal complex that would house police, fire and town offices.
Committee representative Carrie (introduced by the chair) said the project has advanced into schematic design and the committee intends to present two costed options at town meeting: the full design shown at last October’s open house and a second, pared-back option. The committee requested pricing broken out by functional area (police, fire, back bays) so the board and town can see where costs concentrate and identify elements that can be removed or delayed. Carrie and committee members emphasized that public-safety features are "must-haves" and urged the board to prioritize those elements.
Board members and the town administrator stressed the importance of producing two independent schematic concepts with accompanying cost estimates quickly because construction cost escalation is a risk; one member asked the architects for two schematic concepts and two cost estimates within 30–45 days so the project could be ready for a fall town meeting. The board discussed financing tools (bond anticipation notes, bonds, grant-seeking and engaging the legislative delegation) and agreed the committee should continue to refine concepts and return with cost estimates and a recommended presentation for town meeting.
Committee governance issues were discussed: the board supported continued committee continuity, suggested two designated liaisons for checks and balances, and discussed whether the committee should be delegated limited authority to approve pay applications under the town charter. Board members asked the committee to prepare clearer materials for public outreach, including cost options and the "must-haves vs. nice-to-haves" list for town meeting voters.
Quotes: "This is one of the most important generational investments that the town will support," the town administrator said. Carrie said the committee will ask the architect to provide price breakdowns for the police station, fire bays and the middle section to show where costs sit.
Next steps: architects to provide two schematic options and two cost estimates; committee to prepare a public-facing slide deck and town outreach; board to consider financing strategy and possibly present an early informational update at the June town meeting.
