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Select Board accepts Eversource weatherization approvals for town buildings
Summary
At its meeting, the Swanzey Select Board authorized the chair to accept Eversource letters approving partial weatherization funding for Putnam (Wickham) Hall, the Carpenter Home and Stratton Library properties, preserving the offers while staff pursues matching funds and grants.
The Town of Swanzey Select Board on Tuesday authorized the board chair to sign letters of acceptance for partial weatherization funding offered by Eversource for three town buildings.
Barbara Scully, speaking during public input, said the town received letters of approval on May 21 for projects at Putnam (Wickham) Hall, the Carpenter Home and Stratton. She said Eversource approved roughly half the contractor estimate for Putnam (about $12,770) and about 40% for Carpenter Home (about $22,038), and that the approvals must be signed within 30 days unless the utility reissues the letter to extend the deadline.
The board discussed options including accepting the approvals now to "reserve" the incentive, or letting them lapse and reapplying after an RFP and clearer match plan are in place. DPW director Joe Russo and staff noted the town lacks immediate matching funds for the full scope of recommended work and suggested using the approvals to leverage other grant sources (Northern Borders, MAC Good Neighbor) or to scale projects to available match funds. Staff said Eversource will adjust the approved payment proportionally if the town completes only part of a project.
The board voted to authorize the chair to sign the letters so the town retains the awards while staff and volunteers pursue grants, prioritize repairs and confirm final scopes. Board members asked staff to return with a clearer match strategy and an RFP timeline before work begins.
The board recorded no formal penalty for declining the awards; staff said Eversource can reissue approvals in subsequent cycles if necessary. Next steps include coordinating potential matching grants, refining scopes for each building and returning to the board with a funding plan.
