Town meeting on firehouse tomorrow (Friday) night at 7:30

The total cost of the project is expected to be between $2.8 million and $3.2 million, including possible cost variances of between minus $100,000 and plus $300,000. If approved by the selectmen and by voters at tomorrow’s town meeting, the project would be subject to a competitive bidding process.

Rand has emphasized that the impact on taxpayers would likely be far less than the price tag of the deal would indicate. Grants, private fundraising and the sale of some of the assets of the hose company would bring the price down.

In addition, a $5.5 million bond issued 12 years ago for the expansion of Salisbury Central School will be paid off in three years. If need be, this will enable the town to borrow as much as $4 million without a tax increase.

Mike Flint, a radio host who has been highly critical of the way the firehouse matter has been handled, filed a petition with the town clerk’s office to subject the proposal to a referendum.

Wednesday morning, Flint told The Journal, "We’re not going to get what we need. So a town meeting it is."

He declined to elaborate.

Rand issued the following statement late Tuesday:

"We have made arrangements for any seniors who cannot get a ride to the Congregational Church on Friday night to be able to vote, to be picked up by our contracted van. Also, there will be transportation from Noble Horizons, with their own van.

"Anyone not at Noble who needs help, please call the Salisbury senior line at 860-435-5191, before noon on Friday, Feb 29."