COST 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/processing/booking, dispatch/communications center, evidence lab, evidence storage and weapons and ammunition storage. The Board of Selectmen's 5-year capital plan has used $15,000,000 for FY 2020 AND FY2021 for the WPD building . Estimated costs from Tecton Architects are currently in development and will be provided in early January 2022. The estimated cost is less than 10% of the amount of bonding that has been spent on all other town owned facilities*. 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. *Bonding spent on town owned facilities 1995-2020
PROJECT FUNDING At the May 2017 Annual Town Meeting bonding* up to $1,267,000 (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.
