Although I’m a member of the Acton Finance Committee and the Town’s Department of Public Works Building Committee (DPWBC), I’m writing on my own behalf.
This week’s Finance Committee meeting focused on key questions regarding the proposed Public Works Facility Project’s scope, cost, and necessity. However, few members of the public attended the meeting or watched it on Acton TV. So, I hope this summary helps voters to make an informed decision about this proposal at the upcoming Town election and the Annual Town Meeting.
In November 2024, the Town’s design engineering firm, Weston-Sampson. estimated that a 46,884-square-foot facility would cost $46.96 million. However, the DPWBC determined this was too expensive and reduced the project’s size last week to 43,056 square feet by removing a wash bay from the base bid; reducing the square footage of the vehicle garage, office space, and storage area; as well as cutting the number of geothermal wells.
Despite these reductions, the facility remains larger than comparable projects in similar towns, raising concerns about whether the benefits – such as improved service response time, workforce productivity, and staff recruitment – justify the cost. Additionally, the timing of construction is debated, with the Finance Committee recommending no debt exclusions before FY2029 due to financial constraints.
Recent federal policies further complicate cost estimates. On Feb. 10, 2025, President Donald Trump enacted a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, effective March 12. Experts predict these tariffs will raise material costs, potentially increasing the project’s total price. Similar tariffs in 2018 led to a 14% spike in steel prices, raising concerns about affordability.
To address budget challenges, Select Board member David Martin proposed delaying office space construction and using an unheated garage with a canopy for offseason equipment storage. The town must now decide if additional cuts are feasible.
In the next few weeks, the Acton Leadership Group, DPWBC, Finance Committee, and Select Board will make their recommendations. However, voters will have the final say during the town election on April 29, 2025, and Town Meeting May 5-6, 2025.
Greg Jarboe