A police building is more expensive per square foot to build than many other buildings because it is a highly specialized structure. Its unique features include but are not limited to lockup/holding facilities, processing/booking facilities, evidence lab, evidence storage, weapons and ammunition storage, and, in Wilton's case, a dispatch/communications center for both the police AND fire departments. A bonding request for a new police headquarters, in the amount of $16,400,000, was approved by the Board of Selectmen on April 6, 2022. This amount represents the estimated building cost less remaining monies approved in 2017 for study and design. The estimated cost for this new WPD building is $16,973,000*, assuming a spring 2023 construction start. This cost is less than 10% of the amount of bonding that has been spent on all other town owned facilities in the past 25+ years**. In 2013, the town received an estimate of $12,660,000 for a police station based on a 2014 construction start. That amount was used as a placeholder for the project until FY2020 although it did not include many additional necessary related costs, including but not limited to studies, surveys, administrative services, insurance, hazardous materials abatement and legal fees.
* This estimate is as of March 22, 2022 and reflects contingencies for ie materials and supply chain issues that could be impacted by world events. ** Bonding spent on town owned facilities 1995-2020:
PROJECT FUNDING At the May 2017 Annual Town Meeting bonding* up to $1,266,000 (10% of the 2013 estimate) was approved for studies, surveys, architect, professional services, etc. and the build-out of Comstock's unfinished space to accommodate town employees who may move from Town Hall campus. * Funds are bonded only when they are needed.
