Board challenges insurance adjuster’s low estimate for meeting-house smoke damage, seeks detailed breakdown

The Leicester Selectboard devoted the largest portion of the meeting to the meeting-house smoke damage and an apparent disagreement between the insurance adjuster’s estimate and contractors’ restoration figures. S3 summarized the problem and recommended a letter asking for written confirmation from the insurer: "We understand that while the initial mitigation phase may fall within the 60 to 70 range, the total cost to fully restore the building ... could reasonably reach or approach $200,000," S3 said, and the board asked VLCT (the insurer contact) for a more detailed breakdown.

Members said an adjuster (Joel) reported a $48,000 estimate that excluded HEPA vacuuming, pew removal, storage and full repairs, while a contractor (Jason) provided an estimate in the $150,000–$200,000 range. The board agreed to ask VLCT to provide a line-item estimate, to request an alternate or second adjuster if necessary, and to obtain at least one independent contractor estimate (Savage was suggested) so the town can compare figures before authorizing work. Several members emphasized separating insurance-covered work from grant-funded items to avoid double-counting.