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NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. – A building maintenance account supported with payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) from alternative energy agreements was approved by voters Tuesday at the fall annual town meeting.
Though there are no alternative energy projects in place at the moment, several solar energy proposals are under review by Town Manager Theodore Kozak and members of the Solar Energy Committee.
The most promising of the proposals would result in a PILOT of $39,000 per year for 20 years, Kozak has said, and he expects a solar energy agreement within the next few months.
“We’re very proud of this article,’’ said Finance Committee Chairman Salvatore D’Amato, noting the town has been unable to set aside money for building maintenance for several years. “Our hope is we’ll be able to transfer money going forward on an annual basis.’’
D’Amato said all town buildings will be surveyed and a list developed detailing maintenance and capital needs for each. “We’ll develop a process and have one person in charge,’’ he said.
A lack of building maintenance has been a topic of discussion over the last year as officials discussed the need for a new department of public works and fire department.
The vote to establish the fund, which requires special legislation from the General Court, received unanimous support of voters.
Comments (2)
This account is for maintenance of the buildings, not building replacement when they no longer meet the needs. This is not a replacement of money needed to replace the DPW and fire station, it is to keep all town buildings viable for as long as possible.
On your other point, while I see benefits to a municipal area, I know that in this town, the extra money needed for it is highly unlikely to be spent. Penny wise and pound foolish.
Only in Northbridge would a building maintenance "plan" be approved that isn't funded and doesn't have a funding source yet. And the yet to materialize solar energy agreement will bring in $39,000/year for 20 years - at that rate, it'll take all 20 to have enough money to do what's been proposed regarding the DPW - and a fire station? Pie in the sky at the rate we're going. We need to bite the bullet, raise taxes and get a new fire/police location - they should both be either side by side or across the street from each other. A true municipal area should be established in town. It's ridiculous to have the police station tucked away and out of site. The DPW site is necessary and requires enough space to get the job done.