MSAD 17s proposed bus garage purchase would raise Otisfields share by about $55,000 annually, school representative says

Diana Olsen told the Select Board on Feb. 4 that MSAD 17 has submitted an offer of approximately $2 million, with a nonrefundable deposit, to acquire a bus garage and fuel facility the district says is at risk of state-ordered closure.

Olsen said the district estimates Otisfields annual contribution would be about $55,000, equivalent to roughly $2.31 per month per household. She said the district has posted a report on its website that assesses the condition of the existing garage and the property under consideration.

Board members asked why the district allowed the fueling facilitys condition to reach a critical state; Olsen said the district is taking a proactive approach now. Select Board member Brendan Bedell asked whether outsourcing bus services had been considered; Olsen said it had, but the size of the district makes outsourcing expensive. Bedell and other members also questioned the estimated $400,000 cost of a new fuel station and asked staff to explore alternatives, including repurposing flashers from recently closed schools.

The Select Board did not take an official position on the purchase; Chairman Hal Ferguson said individual members may have personal opinions but the board has no collective stance. The School Board plans an informational meeting and a later referendum for voters to decide.

Next steps: informational meeting (date unspecified) and upcoming referendum; town residents can review the districts assessment posted online.