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Voters greenlight $750,000 to capital reserves, including $638,000 fire station addition
Summary
Article 13 passed, allocating $750,000 to capital reserve funds with $638,000 designated for a fire station addition; the Building Task Force presented facility deficiencies and the project scope.
BOSCOWEN — Voters approved Article 13 on March 13, committing $750,000 to Town capital reserve funds including $638,000 earmarked for an addition to the Boscawen Fire Station.
Thomas W. Laliberte, presenting for the Building Task Force, said the town's 2021 Municipal Resources Report concluded that "the current Boscawen Fire Station has reached the end of its useful life." The task force, working with Fire Chief Timothy J. Kenney, recommended an addition that would add a new apparatus bay, make the front entrance and restrooms ADA compliant, and provide a turnout‑gear isolation and washing area to remove contaminants.
The $638,000 figure for the fire station project includes $171,500 remaining from prior appropriations; meeting discussion indicated the remaining $425,000 would be raised through taxation as part of the Article 13 package. The overall Article 13 request of $750,000 proposed $171,500 from the unassigned fund balance and $578,500 to be raised from taxation, allocated across police cruiser, highway equipment, the fire station addition, and a small IT item.
Supporters said the addition is a more affordable option than an estimated $10 million new building. Fire Chief Kenney and residents who spoke emphasized operational and health benefits of isolated gear storage and washing facilities. After discussion the article was adopted by voice vote.
Next steps: The Select Board and department staff will incorporate the adopted amounts into capital planning and pursue design and procurement steps consistent with town purchasing policies.
