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Bakersfield board urged to set start dates for MERP projects as May 15 state review nears
Summary
Town officials said a May 15 state review may reclaim unused MERP funds unless projects show work is underway. The board reviewed a $17,226 remaining MERP balance for library upgrades and discussed a $17,050 estimate (60% deposit) to replace two furnaces in the town hall basement and an electric service upgrade.
Select Board members told the April 13 meeting they must get MERP-supported projects under contract or show start dates before the state begins recalling unspent funds on or after May 15.
Chair described an invoice from the contractor for two basement furnaces that requires a 60% upfront deposit and an estimate of roughly $17,050 to install two heat-pump units and related work. He said the library project recently added wall insulation to its scope; MERP program staff approved the statement of work and the town expects about $17,226 to remain after Q4 expenses (including 10% contingency). "They may start looking to call that money back if we don't use it," the chair warned, pressing staff to obtain written contractor start dates so the town can document work-in-progress for MERP reimbursement.
Members discussed financing the 60% deposit from the building-maintenance fund and then seeking reimbursement under MERP after work begins. They also noted the need to collect electricians' quotes for the proposed upgrade from ~90 amps to 200 amps for the town hall. Board guidance was procedural: get written contractor commitments and forward invoices so the town can show the state the projects are underway and preserve reimbursement eligibility.
