SWANZEY, NH- The town of Swanzey proposed their 2020 town budget as well as a bond for a new fire station at Wednesday evening’s public hearing.
The town is proposing a budget just over $6.3 million for 2020, which is a slight decrease from the 2019 budget. None of the roughly 60 residents in attendance argued over the number.
The budget includes $800,000 to reconstruct the Christian Hill Road bridge, and $815,000 to update the Cheshire Rail Trail and finish the Ashuelot Rail Trail.
Town administrator Michael Branley spoke about the proposed fire station design at 321 Old Homestead Highway, which includes a “Hot Zone” for firefighters to decontaminate after a call. While some voters were skeptical as to why this was necessary, most felt it was a good addition to the design, agreeing it’s time to “protect those who volunteer to protect us.”
The estimated cost of the fire station is $3.95 million, and the town would need a $3.5 million bond for the project. Voters would need to pass that with 61% at the town deliberative session.
Towards the end of the meeting, Swanzey Preservation Society member Jane Johnson proposed a warrant article to stabilize the Grange Building across from the town library. The idea was met with support from the crowd, many saying there are a number of different uses for the building if it’s brought up to code, and it needs a new coat of paint. An estimated cost to stabilize the building sat at about $16,000. Board of selectmen chair Bill Hutwelker said the board would look into it.
The town’s deliberative session is set for Tuesday February 4th at 7:00 P.M. in the Monadnock Regional High School auditorium.
