Updates - Questions & Answers
We recently sent out a letter asking for your input as to whether or not you would be willing to support the development of a joint Fire Department and Rescue Squad Building. We want to thank you very much for the responses that we have received so far. Out of approximately 795 letters we have already received 110 responses! That is tremendous! The tally so far has been 15% NO and 85% YES in support of us proceeding. The responses also included several questions so we thought the best way to address these and keep you all updated is to develop this page.
We will attempt to update this as our research develops and hopefully answer as many questions as possible. To date we have not received any positive or negative news on the grant applications.
- Question 1: Where will a proposed joint building be located?
There has been much discussion on this with no final resolution. One of the options is to build on the current Fire Department site. We had to put an option on the grant applications and we used this for now. There is space there according to our draft sketch. The Rescue Squad site is not the optimal site for a couple of reasons. First, in order to link into the town sewer system there would need to be a very expensive lift station put in due to the level of the property. Secondly, the Rescue Squad property is zoned commercial/industrial and could be marketed to a business to possibly bring business into town. There are other options being explored, such as location with Town Municipal Building, and as they get developed we will let you know.
- Question 2: The proposed tax increase only covers potential debt service. Has thought been given to potential increases in costs of maintenance going forward on the new building?
At the very first meeting that this committee had both the Fire Department and Rescue Squad sat down with their budgets to review current utility costs as separate entities. We estimate that we could save approximately $16,000 to $17,000/ year on utility costs by having one new building rather than maintaining two old ones.
- Question 3: Many of the responses offered fundraising assistance. Is this an option?
This is taken very seriously and will certainly be part of the plan. We want to consider all fundraising opportunities as a means of reducing taxpayer burden. More information and requests for assistance will be forthcoming!