With strong public opposition to building Branford Public Works at Tabor, alternative building sites are now being examined. But has anyone considered the advantages of leasing?
At present, the Public Works is housed in rented quarters near Route 1. The present site is in an industrial area. The owner wants to collaborate with the town, but the town is not interested in a serious presentation. With a long-term lease for Public Works in hand, the owner would install another overhead door, add floor drains, increase the water pressure so vehicles can be washed, and add 3,000 to 4,000 square feet in additional interior space for a requested staff locker room, cafeteria, and more office space. Munger Construction Co. and David DeMayo have looked at it, and he has prepared ballpark specifications and costs. The owner would make the requested accommodations and improvements and the town would continue to lease the facility and be in compliance with state water discharge rules.
It would cost taxpayers $6,250,000 to lease the present building for 50 years, which is the life-span of a typical facility. The town presently pays rent of $125,000 per year. Ten years would be $1,250,000. Twenty years, $2,500,000. The lease could be more expensive depending on additions, and this needs to be negotiated. Another advantage to leasing is that the property taxes on the facility would continue to be paid to the town, reducing our overall leasing costs. Compared to Public Works at Tabor, with a price of up to $15 million, or up to $10 million at another location, that’s tremendous savings.
Leasing Public Works would save Branford taxpayers millions of dollars in interest payments alone, since no bonding will be required. The idea needs to be seriously considered by the town, and that would demonstrate good government.
Frank Twohill
Branford
Member, 1st District, Representative Town Meeting (R)