Atkinson committee reviews $600,000 retrofit estimate for proposed police station, discusses funding options

The Town of Atkinson Police Station Location Committee on Sept. 23 reviewed an updated retrofit estimate and began discussing how to fund the planning phase for a proposed municipal building on a newly proposed site.

Chair Brian Boyle said he reviewed the Harriman proposal prepared for an earlier site and relayed Harriman’s estimate: “They estimate a cost of $600,000 to update and retrofit the new plans for a municipal building on the newly proposed site.” The committee heard that figure as the baseline for next planning steps.

Committee members discussed possible ways to pay for the planning work. The options listed were selling town-owned property, using asset forfeiture funds (the committee said it will check the current balance), or submitting a Raise and Appropriate warrant article to fund the capital account. The committee did not set a funding decision at the meeting; members directed follow-up checks on balances and next steps.

Committee members Brian Boyle and Charlie George reported they had briefed police leadership on the proposal. According to the transcript, Chief Thomas and Ted Stewart “neither voiced any concerns about the plans, and support the committee.” The committee plans additional briefings: Boyle said he will try to set up meetings with Bill Friel and Bob Wordon to update them.

At the start of the meeting the committee approved minutes from its Sept. 16, 2025 meeting. The transcript records that Lenny Hall made the motion and Lenny Hall seconded; the motion carried, recorded as 5-0 in favor. The five members listed as present were Brian Boyle (Chair), Charlie George, Lenny Hall, Wendy Barker (Selectmen’s Representative) and Greg Spero (Selectmen’s Representative).

The committee scheduled its next meeting for Oct. 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.