WOOLWICH
The Building Committee and the Selectboard have reached an accord on a new town office proposal.
Residents will decide at annual town meeting in May whether to buy land for a new — not renovated or enlarged — single-story town office.
They also will vote on whether to spend money on a site plan for that land, located in the immediate vicinity of the Municipal Building accessible to town water.
By two 8-0 votes, the Building Committee, with all five Selectboard members present, approved a two-part motion Monday.
The first part asks the board to immediately enter into negotiations for the land.
In the second part of the motion, the committee said it will come back to the board soon with an estimated cost for the site plan.
The new Municipal Building would be used by the fire department and emergency medical services.
In just an hour and a half, the Building Committee and the Selectboard were able to come together after months of disagreement over dueling renovation and enlargement plans for the current Municipal Building.
The Selectboard rejected two plans — one for $1 million and the other for $850,000 — but the committee went right back to work.
Janet Billson, committee secretary, pointed out that a single-story building would be cheaper.
“It would not need an elevator,” Billson said. “It seems like we could save money and have a better facility.”
Committee Chairman Dana Lindsey said the building could be 3,600 square feet to 3,700 square feet with meeting space for 30 to 50 people and parking for 20 vehicles.
lgrard@timesrecord.com
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