BET approves $4.65M Round Hill carry‑forward with conditions after debate

The BET approved a capital carry‑forward for the Round Hill fire station project as amended by a motion that attached seven conditions to the release of funds. The motion — introduced during discussion of a nonroutine capital carry‑forward — specifies that release of funds be contingent on items such as a statement from the office of the First Selectman about the town's policy for Round Hill, acceptance of the design by the Greenwich Fire Department, an approved fundraising report from the volunteer fire company and a management agreement that gives the town's Building Construction and Maintenance Division oversight of the project.

Representatives of the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company urged the board to hold the newly circulated conditions until the volunteer company and town officials could meet and provide historical context. "We are respectfully requesting that those conditions... be put on hold pending further discussions," the Round Hill representative told the BET. Fire Department leadership said they support renovations and would work with the volunteer company and the First Selectman's office on details; the fire chief told the board the department supports modernizing facilities to meet the town's evolving needs.

Board members debated whether imposing seven retroactive conditions on appropriations made in earlier budget cycles was good practice. Some members said several conditions appear already met or could be worked out administratively; others argued the conditions reflect the board's responsibility to ensure taxpayer funds produce a final plan that meets public‑safety standards. The roll‑call on the conditions reported 11 yes, 1 no (Erickson). A following voice vote to approve the carry‑forward as amended passed and the item was recorded as approved "as amended by Mr. Fisher."