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Select Board pushes for public meetings after fire-station plan returns with higher costs
Summary
Board members said a returned fire-station plan carries a nearly $1 million higher price tag and urged public hearings and a special town meeting to present financing options and gauge voter support before committing funds.
Select Board members on June 8 expressed frustration that the fire-station expansion proposal resurfaced after months of inactivity with an estimated cost roughly $1 million higher than earlier projections.
Board members emphasized that the town has not authorized spending and that financing options should be made transparent to residents before advancing. One member warned the increased projected cost will have a taxpayer impact, noting total payments could exceed projected TIFF revenues by about $1 million and asked where that shortfall would be filled.
Several members said the fire-station committee can evaluate alternatives, but funding structure and any decision on spending are select board responsibilities. The board agreed to schedule public meetings to roll out cost estimates and financing options and to plan a special town meeting so voters can make a definitive funding decision.
Members also discussed the timing between a public hearing and a vote, with several arguing for a gap to allow the board to evaluate alternatives and structure financing appropriately rather than holding a vote immediately after a single hearing.
