To the Editor:
I served on the Easton Board of Finance for 10 years, during several municipal building projects, including Staples Elementary School and the Senior Center renovation. I am truly sympathetic to residents who believe that $4.2 million for the EMS building project is a lot of money. It IS a lot of money — and although it will have no direct tax impact due to the funding sources — it’s not without tax implications.
The $1.8 million to be taken from the town’s undesignated fund is taxpayer money that Easton won’t be able to spend elsewhere — to curb tax increases in the future, or to offset the cost of other municipal projects. Saying the EMS renovation won’t cost taxpayers anything because the funding is coming from the undesignated fund — effectively, our town savings account — is like saying your house renovation cost you nothing because you used your savings.
That said, I support this project and believe it is a good use of taxpayer money. Here’s why:
1) The cost is reasonable compared to EMS building projects in similar Connecticut towns. Monroe completed an EMS building addition/renovation in 2023. Like ours, it included five bunk-rooms and multiple bathrooms, a full kitchen, a lounge, a classroom, and office and garage space. It cost $4.6 million.
2) There have been no suggestions — at the town meeting, in letters, or in mailings — that would substantially reduce the project’s cost. Much has been said about the high-end furniture in the budget, but at $120,000, it represents only 2.87% of the total cost. On the other hand, the cost to taxpayers will likely only increase if the project is delayed.
3) There is no town disagreement on the need for an updated EMS building, to better equip and house our emergency medical personnel. To me, the fact that most EMS volunteers are non-residents is an even bigger reason to upgrade the facility — they’re sacrificing long days and nights to provide life-saving care to our community, not their own.
4) Finally, we are a small town that depends on elected and appointed volunteers to represent our interests in specialized tasks like this building project — to do the hard work of attending tedious meetings, listening to detailed presentations, reviewing thick document packets, and thoroughly considering an array of options to make the best decision for Easton. From my own Board of Finance experience, I know exactly how much time, labor, frustration, and hope go into that effort. I am extremely grateful to the EMS Building Committee for its work — and I’ll show my support by voting yes on Tuesday.
Elise Broach
Easton
