Winchester selectboard approves letter to pursue grants for new fire station plan

WINCHESTER, N.H. — The Winchester Selectboard voted April 8 to provide a written letter of support allowing the Winchester Fire Fighters Association and the fire department to pursue grant funding for a proposed new fire station on town-owned land. The motion, made by Selectman Theresa Sepe and seconded by Selectman Jack Marsh, carried 5–0.

Architect Michael Petrovich, who presented findings from a 2024 feasibility study paid for by the WFFA, told the board the existing station is more than 50 years old, is a pre-engineered structure that would be costly to retrofit, and cannot meet current safety and code needs for modern apparatus and firefighter health protections. Petrovich said bays are undersized for apparatus that now average 45–50 feet, the building lacks suitable exhaust systems and decontamination facilities, and it is not ADA accessible to its second floor. He estimated construction costs in the range of $5.6–$5.8 million and warned those figures could increase roughly 4–5% per year until construction begins.

"Many grants ask that the towns 'have skin in the game,'" Petrovich told the board when describing typical grant-match expectations. He also said the proposed site was attractive because the town already owns the land, avoiding the need to remove additional property from the tax rolls.

Fire officials and WFFA representatives emphasized health concerns for firefighters, including risks tied to contaminated gear after scenes. WFFA representative Chris Steadman and WFD Chief Barry Kellom said the new design would include decontamination facilities and overnight accommodations; Kellom said the ambulance and fire operations would move to a new building if approved and funded.

Selectmen questioned site alternatives and costs of retrofitting the current station. Petrovich said a retrofit at the existing location would likely require a multi-story solution and substantial ongoing costs (he cited elevator maintenance as an example) and that the town-owned site was the most cost-effective option when land cost is considered.

The board’s approval of a written letter of support allows department leaders to apply for grant funding and to use the town’s grant writer. Board members agreed that any ultimate decision on construction or bonding would be made later—likely via a warrant article—after further cost analysis and fundraising.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve a written letter of support for grant applications and use of the town grant writer: Moved by Selectman Theresa Sepe; seconded by Selectman Jack Marsh; outcome: approved 5–0. - Approval of minutes (4/1/26): moved by Selectman Herbert Stephens; seconded by Selectman Theresa Sepe; approved 5–0. - Class VI Road waiver (Pudding Hill): moved by Selectman Jack Marsh; seconded by Selectman Herbert Stephens; approved 5–0. - Water & Sewer warrants: Water $115,746.62; Sewer $154,390.95. Motion carried 5–0. - Raffle permit (Grange): approved 5–0. - Pinchin contract for J & G's Testing (estimated $10,000–$20,000): approved 5–0. - Property abatements: $1,340 and $2,343 approved 5–0. - Asset Reserve Fund established to show grant-match capacity: initial transfer $9,640 from Water Dept.; proposed schedule contribution $4,817 over 25 years; approved 5–0. - Nonpublic-session actions (personnel): Board entered nonpublic under RSA 91-A:3 II; in nonpublic the board approved a six-month leave for Rielly Pratt and approved Kathy Morehouse as Health Deputy; motions carried as recorded. - Adjournment: motion carried with three in favor and one recusal; meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

Why it matters

Winchester’s fire department leaders told the Selectboard that a new facility would address safety, code compliance and long-term operational needs that the current station cannot meet without significant expense. Approving a letter of support does not commit the town to build now, but it allows the department to apply for grants and begin fundraising and planning steps that would be necessary before any warrant article or bond measure.

What’s next

Officials said a full cost-analysis and grant pursuit will follow; Petrovich recommended the town show evidence of funding capacity for grant matches. The Selectboard indicated further review, potential feasibility work on the existing site, and a final decision on any construction plan or warrant article would come later.