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Deep River committee outlines $10 million bond plan and 2027 start for new firehouse amid flood‑zone concerns
Summary
The Firehouse Building Committee, meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance on April 21, reviewed design services, financing and a proposed ~$10 million bond to fund a new Deep River firehouse, discussed flood‑zone constraints and site options including Historical Society property, and set an engineering study and joint follow‑up meeting.
The Firehouse Building Committee met April 21 at Deep River Town Hall to review design services, funding options and a project timetable for a proposed new firehouse. Zach Machold, chairman of the Firehouse Building Committee, opened the session at 6:04 p.m. and the bodies recorded attendance from the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.
Committee members discussed forwarding the TSKP design contract for committee review; the First Selectman will provide the contract to the Firehouse Committee for review and a stakeholder meeting will be scheduled to refine the project scope. The initial program phase will focus on brainstorming and defining "wants vs. needs," with budget constraints emphasized as a guiding limit.
Officials reviewed project financing and schedule details. The design phase is expected to run through December 2026, with the design soft‑cost fee estimated at about $700,000 (noted as roughly 10% of construction cost). Construction was discussed as anticipated to begin in January 2027. Equipment and payment timing noted in the meeting included: brush truck delivery in the second quarter, Fire Truck #1 in the third quarter, and subsequent fire truck payments scheduled across late 2026 and into 2027.
On budget totals, the committee identified approximately $4 million needed in the upcoming fiscal year and a remaining roughly $4 million projected for FY2027–2028. Members discussed a proposed firehouse bond of about $10 million over a 20‑year term to finance the project, with discussion also touching on the possibility of a 40‑year bond to reduce near‑term payments. The group flagged a contingency requirement and estimated $500,000 to $1 million additional funds could be required for property acquisition if the construction schedule is not deferred.
Committee discussion emphasized cost‑reduction strategies, including reconsidering renovation of the existing building (not ruled out) and exploring phased construction over a longer period. Flood‑zone concerns were identified as a major constraint that could require structural elevation and ramp access; members noted compensatory flood‑storage requirements and possible limitations on siting.
The committee also discussed funding sources beyond town bonds, including potential state funding and grant opportunities, and considered the value of hiring a grant writer to pursue those options.
A proposal was raised to evaluate Historical Society property as a potential site that could integrate firehouse history into the location; that option would require coordination with the Historical Society and legal review of the property deed, which Jane Marsh was asked to provide. The meeting record notes parking limitations for current muster events if the Historical Society site were used.
Members set immediate next steps: gather additional information about potential sites, complete an engineering study, and reconvene in a joint meeting with the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen to review the study and finalize directions. No public comments were recorded during the public‑comment period. The committee adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
