Q: Why is the Board of Selectmen recommending an override for a new police station? 

A:  The current police station on River St. was built over 40 years ago.  It is too small for our current operations, fails most safety standards, and poses potentially serious litigation risks for the town.  A new station is the most cost effective way to fully address these problems.

Q:  Why is the Board of Selectmen recommending this now? 

A:  Addressing the deficiencies at the current station is long overdue.  The 2005 Norwell Master Plan stated, “The existing police station does not meet the current needs of the department.  Its size, age and organization do not allow for the proper organization of functions...”  In addition, borrowing rates are at historic lows and the construction bidding environment is favorable.  We should also bear in mind the advantages of spreading out investments in buildings.  Delays in dealing with the needs of the police station also delay addressing the needs of other town buildings like the library and town hall.  (In contrast, Duxbury is currently pursuing simultaneous debt exclusion overrides for its fire station, police station, crematory, and middle/high schools; in combination, these create a tax increase of over $1100 for the average house.)

Q:  Where will the new Police Station be located? 

A:  It will be built as an addition to the existing Fire Station on Rte. 53. 

Q:  How large is the current station and how large will the new police station be? 

A:  The current station is 10,722 gross square feet.  The new station will be 12,250 gross square feet.  Jacunski Humes Architects, LLC, the architect for the project, worked with the Norwell PD on a space needs assessment designed to meet the department’s needs for at least 20 years. The initial proposed size was 15,095 square feet, but was scaled back to reduce costs. A 2007 space needs study said 10,000-14,000 sq. ft. would be needed.

Q:  How much will the new police station cost? 

A:  The all-in estimated cost is $5,122,955.  $400,000 was already approved at Town Meeting last May for architectural, engineering and design work that is now partially complete.  This estimated cost includes contingencies to accommodate unforeseeable items, which may not need to be spent.

Q:  Why did the estimated cost increase from last spring’s estimate? 

A:  The cost increased because the total square footage increased (from 9689 to 12,250 square feet).  The current estimated cost per square foot declined from last spring’s estimate.  

Q:  How was the cost estimate determined? 

A:  The estimate was prepared by KV Associates, a professional cost estimating firm, in concert with Jacunski Humes, who have programmed, designed and constructed over 50 police stations throughout New England in the past 15+ years.  Their work is being overseen by Norwell’s PBMC (Permanent Building and Maintenance Committee) and Pomroy Associates, our OPM (Owner’s Project Manager). 

Q:  How will we pay for the station? 

A:  With a 20 year bond, subject to passage of a debt exclusion override.

Q:  What is a debt exclusion override? 

A:  A debt exclusion override is an authorization by the voters to increase their property taxes beyond the limits of Proposition 2 1/2.  This type of override authorizes an increase only to borrow for a specific purpose.  It’s similar to a mortgage.  The additional taxes decline gradually over 20 years, then stop.

Q:  How is a debt exclusion override approved/passed? 

A:  By a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting and a majority vote at a Town Election.

Q:  When will the Town Meeting and Election take place? 

A:  The Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, November 21st at 7:30 p.m.  The Special Town Election will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Both will be held at Norwell Middle School.

Q:  How much will my taxes increase to pay for this override? 

A:  At current low interest rates, examples of how much property taxes will increase are as follows:

Exact interest rates & tax increases will not be determined until the bond is actually issued. 

Q: Why are the Selectmen proposing a new station for $5,122,955 instead of the renovation of the existing station estimated last spring for $3,314,388? 

A: There are several reasons:

1) The renovation estimated last spring addresses only a portion of the deficiencies at the current station.  It is artificially low since we would, in fact, have to bring the building into full compliance with current ADA and energy codes which was not fully priced in the estimate.  (See the next question for further details.)

2) For the limited additional taxes required for a new station, residents will avoid costs for additional on-going repairs at the current station.  Such repairs would take away funds needed to maintain town services.

3) Renovating the current station would still require an override.  The partial renovation estimated last spring would reduce the impact of the override for the average taxpayer by only $36/year.  In fact, the difference would be smaller since that estimate does not cover all required costs.

4) The police department would have to be temporarily relocated during renovation of the current station, which could have a negative impact on operations.  The costs of relocation are are assumed in the estimate to be $300,000, which we understand from the architect to be underestimated.  The cost of temporary relocation would come out of revenues needed to maintain existing town services, since it cannot be included in the bond.

5)  Additional funds would have to be appropriated to accurately determine the renovations needed at the current station and their costs.  We believe this would not be a good use of taxpayer money.  Multiple studies over the past 6 years have concluded that a new police station next to the fire station is the best solution.

Q:  What deficiencies at the current police station were not included in the estimate last spring? 

A:  The partial renovation did not address the following items: 

a) complying with current energy codes (including replacing doors, windows & insulation)

b) complying with all ADA codes

c) removing asbestos

d) site work

e) additional parking 

Compliance with the energy and ADA codes would be required as part of the renovation.  In addition, the renovation would provide less space than the new station for several functions including the armory and evidence storage rooms.

Q:  What will happen to the existing police station after the new one is built? 

A:  No specific plans have been made yet, but it will likely be sold for commercial or affordable housing, or used for another town purpose.  Any decision about the future use should be made in concert with considerations, including the town center revitalization currently being considered by the planning board.  The property and buildings are currently assessed for $1,374,500.

Q:  What impact does this have on the pending operational override in the spring?  

A:  None.  That is a different type of override that will address operating budget needs, which is primarily needed by the Schools.  The Selectmen are working with the School Committee and Advisory Board to design the operational override in conjunction with the town budget.  It will be voted on at the May town meeting and election.

Q:  How can I learn more about the proposed new Police Station? 

A:  Information sessions at the Fire Station (300 Washington St.:

Monday, November 7th @ 7:00 p.m. 

Monday, November 14th @ 7:00 p.m. 

Tours of the existing Police Station, 40 River St.: 

Thursday, November 3rd, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon 

Saturday, November 5th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Thursday, November 10th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Thursday, November 17th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.