BET committee to press for town oversight, conditions before releasing Round Hill firehouse funds

The BET Budget Committee voted to carry forward two capital appropriations for the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company while signaling the town will require greater oversight and formal safeguards before releasing more money.

David Chass and Round Hill representatives told the committee the project has approved plans, a current building permit and temporary power in place, and that fundraising has produced roughly $1.25 million to date (about $750,000 private and a $500,000 state grant). They said unexpected increases tied to prevailing-wage rules, bonding requirements and general-contractor changes have pushed the project's estimated total toward $6 million, implying an additional $1.1 million to $1.2 million in needs beyond prior appropriations.

"We have raised a little bit more than $1.25 million on the project," Round Hill's representative said. "We've worked with our GC to rerun numbers, and we need to refine expectations this summer so we're ready to come back in August or September." (David Chass, Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company)

Committee members said the town's sizable potential contribution requires clearer protections for taxpayers. Mr. Fisher told the group he will present proposed BET conditions to the full board that would: require acceptance of the design by the Greenwich Fire Department; a mortgage filed for the town's contribution; a management agreement placing the town's Building Construction & Maintenance (DPW) division in an oversight role; and a public competitive-bidding process for project contracts.

"It would be subject to release in whole and part by the BET upon satisfactory agreement between the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company and the Town of Greenwich," Mr. Fisher said, outlining elements of the condition. "That would include a report on fundraising, a mortgage to be filed in the amount of the town's contribution and a management agreement that includes an owner's representative and full oversight by the town." (Mr. Fisher)

Round Hill leaders said the project historically has been administered by the volunteer company, and they expressed concern about losing control of a private property they will operate and maintain for decades. Committee members responded that because town funds are involved and state grant terms apply, the town must ensure compliance with bidding rules and protections for public investment.

The committee carried forward the capital items by voice vote and described the decision as non-routine; members said the BET will consider the proposed condition and related documents at its next meeting. Next steps include: Round Hill providing a more detailed fundraising report, the town attorney and finance staff reviewing grant and mortgage documents, and the BET considering the proposed condition at the full-board meeting.