A proposal to construct and renovate the town’s aging Easton Emergency Medical Services building will be decided by a referendum vote next month.
While the total estimated cost of the renovation project is $4,180,944, the town secured $1,229,331 from several sources including a contribution of $821,792 from the EMS Trustees, $188,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds, $199,539 from two state sources and $20,000 from the Board of Finance to contribute toward the project.
Now voters are being asked fund the remaining $2,951,613 taken from the town’s undesignated or “rainy day” fund. However the town will be reimbursed $1,118,155, so the actual amount of funding needed to complete the project from the town will be $1.833.458.
First Selectman David Bindelglass urged voters to support the project. He said the new facility is not only needed to enhance EMS operations, but it is cost-effective.
“With all of the money we’ve raised from different sources, the cost to taxpayers is less than $2 million,” said Bindelglass. “This is the result of a lengthy and deliberative process. I’m proud of the building committee’s work.”
A referendum scheduled on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Samuel Staples Elementary School from noon to 8 p.m. Prior to the referendum a Town Meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at Samuel Staples Elementary School.
A majority vote of the Board of Finance on Jan. 21 approved the $2,951.613 expenditure, effectively moving the project forward to a referendum.
Andy Kachele was the lone Board of Finance member to vote against the project. Kachele cited a lack of discussion on the scope of work on the building and line items such as a second construction manager budgeted at $90,000 that is already funded in the architect’s contract, costly propane to fuel the backup heating system and copper gutters.
“We do need to replace the facility, it is not at all adequate,” said Kachele. “The source of the money is not the issue. It’s the design of the project. We skipped the prioritized list, which hasn’t been made public. There is no attempt of value engineering.”
An EMS Planning and Building Committee was formed to study how best to update the EMS headquarters. The committee concluded that renovating the existing space and expanding it through the purchase of an adjacent parcel of land at 444 Sport Hill Road was the most cost-effective option.
John Foley, a member of the EMS Planning and Building Committee, stands behind the project’s design.
“The design has been thoroughly vetted by town officials, the building committee and a diverse group of professionals, including land use, our town engineer and (Schuyler Sherwood), the fire expert,” said Foley at a Jan. 16 Board of Selectmen meeting. “This ensured prudent use of taxpayer dollars.”
Milford based Bismark Construction was chosen to construct and renovate the current building, which is more than 100 years old and lacks sufficient garage and office space. The decades-old septic system is on the verge of collapse.
The $4,180,944 price tag includes the Sport Hill Road land purchase, site work, furnishings, security and technology, temporary housing and a contingency fund.
EMS Chief Jonathan Arnold encouraged voters to support the project.
“This project will not only attract new volunteers but also provide a more comfortable environment with enhanced training opportunities to grow our roster. The new building will be a lasting benefit to the community,” said Arnold, adding that the building committee explored many options, and this project offered the most cost-effective solution for a building of its size.
Earlier this month, the Board of Selectman approved the $2,951.613 expenditure and moved it to the Board of Finance for final approval.
