New Hampshire

Majority of selectmen back new Town Hall plan

By Terry Date
Staff writer
Published: August 14, 2008

WINDHAM — In a split decision, the selectmen sent a plan to construct a multi-office Town Hall to the Capital Improvement Committee for that group to rank among other projects.

A majority of the selectmen said a new Town Hall would save money on energy costs and better serve the public with one-stop shopping.

A minority of the board said the town should use its buildings for town services rather than build a new one, given the difficult economic times.

Construction of the 15,000-square-foot building on Fellows Road, across from Nesmith Library, would cost about $2.25 million.

Selectmen want to set aside available money through 2011, then bond the balance of the $2.25 million.

The new Town Hall would house offices for the town clerk, tax collector, assessing, administration, Planning and Development departments, and the cable station.

Today those offices are housed in older buildings at 3 and 4 N. Lowell St.

Selectman Charlie McMahon said it's a waste of money to repair the old buildings and costly to heat them.

"I believe the time is now (to build), because of the energy crisis," McMahon said.

He said a new building with an energy-efficient design would save money.

Selectman Galen Stearns countered that the tax impact from the new high school, set to open in 2009, and from a new elementary school, if it is approved, demands fiscal restraint.

"We have the facilities for people to get their business transacted," Stearns said.

Selectman Roger Hohenberger said residents previously invested in upgrades to the Bartley Building with the understanding that it would continue to house town administrative offices. Most recently, in March, voters approved $50,000 to upgrade the upstairs of that building.

Hohenberger also said he doubted there would be available funds in the capital improvement plan if the school district decides it needs a new elementary school.

McMahon and selectmen Chairman Dennis Senibaldi said they do not think town needs should be trumped by school needs.

Selectmen voted 3-2 to send their Town Hall proposal to the CIP panel. The panel and Planning Board will review all the town and school proposals and return their recommendations, ranked in importance, to the selectmen and the School Board.

McMahon, Senibaldi and Selectman Bruce Breton voted in the majority Monday. Hohenberger and Stearns voted in the minority.