Finance and Warrant Commission Unanimously Recommends Fire Station 1 Funding

At its October 7 meeting, the Town of Westwood's Finance and Warrant Commission (FinCom) voted unanimously to recommend approval of Article 1, which would appropriate $39,981,157 for the design and construction of a new Fire Station 1 at the former Deerfield School site.

The October 7 meeting marked the second public hearing on the warrant articles for the October 26 Special Town Meeting and the third time the proposed Fire Station 1 project was discussed by FinCom.

In its recommendation, FinCom emphasized the critical need to replace the existing Fire Station 1, which is no longer operational, as well as the Town's efforts to respond to resident feedback, reduce the size and cost of the proposed building, and limit the amount of borrowing required.

Key highlights of the proposed funding plan include:

• $39.98 million total project budget: Approximately $1.6 million less than the $41.6 million project proposed in 2025.

• Smaller building: The building program has been reduced by approximately 20% in net square footage while maintaining the Fire Department's core operational needs.

• Reduced borrowing: Approximately $5.18 million, or 13% of the total project cost, would come from available Town funds, reducing the amount to be borrowed to $34.8 million, compared with $38.1 million in the 2025 proposal.

• Not-to-exceed budget: The proposed appropriation establishes a maximum project budget covering all anticipated costs through construction and move-in. Cost estimates will be reviewed and reconciled again as the design progresses. Any unspent funds will not be used for additional project spending.

Proposed Funding Sources

• $2,527,585 - Free Cash

• $1,153,572 - Sale of Real Estate Fund

• $1,000,000 - Meals and Hotel Tax Revenue

• $500,000 - Recreation Revolving Fund

• $34,800,000 - Borrowing

What's Next?

With FinCom's recommendation complete, the project will now move forward for consideration by residents at two upcoming votes:

• Monday, October 26 – Special Town Meeting

  • Residents will be asked to vote on Article 1, authorizing the appropriation for the Fire Station 1 project.

• Tuesday, November 3 – Town Election

  • Voters will be asked to approve a debt exclusion to fund the borrowing associated with the project.

Both votes are required for the project to move forward.

Residents are encouraged to review the project information, proposed plans, cost estimates, and frequently asked questions available at www.westwoodfs1.com.