Acton’s Department of Public Works (DPW), like the Fire and Police Departments, ensures essential but often overlooked services (snowplowing, stormwater management, rapid emergency services) that keep the town running. Operating from a facility on Forest Road behind the transfer station, the DPW maintains a fleet of vehicles and equipment, as detailed in an Acton Exchange article and accompanying video. Designed in the late 1960s and built in the early 1970s, the DPW building is considered inadequate for the town’s current needs, due to safety issues and insufficient space.
A DPW Facility Study Committee, followed by a Public Works Facility Building Committee, developed a detailed plan for a replacement building, initially estimated at $46 million. Subsequent rounds of value engineering reduced the cost to approximately $35 million. Despite the cost reduction, the Finance Committee unanimously opposed the project, citing excessive cost and concerns about the timing of the expensive project in the midst of broad economic uncertainty.
This year, the Select Board proposed a ballot measure and Town Meeting Warrant Article 7 to advance the DPW building project. The ballot measure, which would have permitted borrowing for construction without authorizing it, failed at the recent town election, with 40% voting yes and 56% no, with 13% voter turnout. Consequently, the Select Board replaced Article 7’s original borrowing authorization with an amended version to keep the project alive after the ballot failure.
The amended Article 7, moved by Select Board member Dean Charter, read, “Mr. Charter moves that the Town appropriate $150,000…for design and engineering costs…for a public works facility…from Free Cash.” (“Free cash” is the Town’s unallocated funds). The appropriation would fund exploration of alternatives for a public works facility and public outreach to address voter concerns.
Opponents cited economic uncertainties, including tariffs, inflation, and potential future tax overrides, while supporters emphasized protecting DPW workers’ health, maintaining costly town equipment, and preserving prior investments. The amended Article 7 required a simple majority and passed by voice vote.
Tom Beals is the Select Board beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.
