Dodd Votes Against Tax Increase Vote

TOWN MEETING WILL VOTE ON $30 MILLION STATION

Worcester Telegram and Gazette

By Priyanka Dayal

Wednesday, July 22, 2009


WESTBORO — Selectmen last night decided to allow residents to vote this fall on a new $30 million fire and police building. Although the long-anticipated project was shovel-ready in the spring, selectmen voted to delay the project, because it would require a debt exclusion, which would force residents to pay higher taxes during a tough economy. Last night the vote was 3-2 in favor of putting the project on the warrant for the October town meeting. A separate election will be needed for a vote on the debt exclusion. Selectmen Timothy A. Dodd and Rod B. Jané voted to delay the project, saying it’s still a bad time to ask residents to pay higher taxes; Selectmen Leigh A. Emery, Lydia L. Goldblatt and George M. Thompson voted to go ahead with the project. “I think we can convince the town we need it,” said Ms. Emery, chairman of the board. The vote paved the way for the committee overseeing the project to spend $50,000 on competitive bidding. Once the bids come in, they will be valid for just 30 days. Selectmen also voted unanimously to approve the site plan for the new building, which would be an upgrade for police officers and firefighters, who currently work in cramped conditions in aging facilities. Town Manager James J. Malloy said the town has applied to a $210 million federal stimulus program for new fire stations; if selected, Westboro could receive $3 million.