Town Meeting Approves Higher Borrowing

By Avice Meehan

Voters at an Oct. 6 special town meeting unanimously approved higher borrowing limits to finance construction of Norfolk’s new fire house, but no formal action on the project will occur until after the new Board of Selectmen is sworn into office in mid-November.

First Selectman Matt Riiska, who is not seeking re-election after four terms in office, said the paperwork contracts and other documents would need to be signed after Henry Tirrell, Leo Colwell Jr. and Sandy Evans are sworn in. All are running unopposed.

The resolution before the town meeting, which was attended by approximately 50 adults and any number of children, asked voters to approve a total project cost of $10.4 million and borrowing of up to $4 million. Voters had earlier approved spending $9.3 million with borrowing of up to $3.5 million, but higher than expected bids required a second special town meeting.

More than half the cost of the new firehouse will come from a combination of private fundraising and grants from the state and federal governments, including $500,000 secured by U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes. The town is also kicking in another $500,000 from a reserve fund resulting from the end of the town’s defined benefit pension plan.

The town’s contribution and funds raised through the capital campaign will be used to jumpstart construction, Riiska said. The $2.5 million state grant will be released in stages, and the town will finance a portion of the project through bond anticipation notes. In response to a question, Riiska said the impact of spending for the firehouse would likely be felt in the 2027-28 tax rate, although the current budget anticipates modest spending for interest costs.

Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, with the building ready for the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department. Municipal bonds to finance the town’s share would be issued when the project is complete.