The three-bay garage cut from the original proposal for the new fire house may become a reality after all.
Bids for the fire house project came in at far more than had been anticipated and a number of features such as the ventilation monitor atop the building and a tower that would have contained hose-drying apparatus were pared away to contain costs. Among the cost-cutting casualties was the garage, which is meant to keep extra equipment out of the elements.
At Wednesday’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting, board members approved further exploration of the potential cost of restoring it to the project.
“We’ve been able to fundraise very well,” explained First Selectman Henry Tirrell. “So, with the project where it stands now, we can put it back in and still spend less than the $4 million borrowing limit the town approved.”
Tirrell said at present it is assumed the town will have to borrow only $3.7 million “with more donations to come.” The building is expected to cost $300,000 to $350,000, much of which fundraisers hope will be covered by those donations.
“It would be cheaper to do the garage while the contractors are onsite,” he said. “When we have more firm numbers, we will take it to town meeting to have it approved.”