Pittsfield inches closer to decision on new town office
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By Cristina Kumka Staff Writer - Published: November 20, 2009
The surveys are in — residents in Pittsfield have narrowed down their options to two for what to do with the mold-infested and non-handicapped-accessible Town Office building on the village green.
The process of engaging the public and presenting them with numerous designs and financials plans for either a renovation or complete rebuilding of the office has spanned seven years.
On Wednesday night, town officials inched closer to finally being able to make a decision, and then present a bond to voters.
Patricia Haskins, building committee member, town clerk and treasurer, held a special meeting to reveal the results of a survey mailed to residents earlier this year, containing three proposals for the office.
The results — 55 residents gave the most nods to two of the plans and the one plan with the least votes was tossed by the Select Board after much discussion, according to Haskins.
Drafts of Plan B, a new 2,400-square-foot multiuse building on the town office's current site, and Plan C, a proposal to renovate and add to the existing town office, will be sent again to residents and a proposal should be chosen by early December, according to Select Board member Jerry Drugonis.
"I'm hoping … but around here, you never know," Drugonis said, regarding a decision on the town office finally being made.
"We've just been spinning the wheels because we have been without a direction."
The town office recently moved into the historic Town Hall building nearby because of hazardous mold.
The building is also not in compliance with the federal American with Disabilities Act of 1990, according to Haskins.
Depending on which plan is chosen, the town would take out a 20-year municipal bond of $560,000 or $815,000.
Taxpayers with a property valued at $100,000 would pay between $40 and $60 in additional taxes a year to pay off the bond, according to estimates provided by Haskins.
cristina.kumka@rutlandherald.com
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