Update: Town Hall/Police Department Space & Fire Engine Purchase

 Town Hall/Police Department Space Update 

 Over the past year, the Select Board focused on addressing two pressing municipal priorities: ongoing facility needs and mold remediation at Town Hall and the Police Department, and the replacement of an aging fire engine. Safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of Rollinsford’s residents and municipal staff remains as the Board’s top priority as work progresses on both initiatives. 

At the 2026 Town Meeting, the warrant article seeking approval of a bond for a new Town Hall and Police Department building received a majority vote but did not meet the required three‑fifths threshold. As a result, the Select Board proceeded with the repairs and maintenance of the existing Town Hall as authorized by voters. Throughout the spring and summer, the Select Board evaluated the work required to address significant water infiltration and mold issues in the Police Department, as well as longstanding heating and cooling problems throughout the building. As part of this investigation, two companies specializing in water infiltration were consulted. One recommended an interior trenching system, while the other—an established and reputable firm—advised that trenching would not resolve the problem because the water was infiltrating upward from the ground. With neither option providing sufficient confidence that the infiltration issue could be fully corrected, the Board determined that the most responsible course of action was to focus on comprehensive mold remediation affecting the entire building. 

In early October, contractors began this remediation work. Substantial efforts are underway to remove mold‑infested walls, sheetrock, and ceiling and floor tiles. The Select Board chose to install dehumidification systems, as that space will continue to serve as storage and Police arrest processing. To reduce the likelihood of mold regrowth, lower‑level walls, ceilings, and floors are being left bare. At the same time, replacement of the heating and cooling systems on the main floor of Town Hall has begun. 

During construction, Town Hall and Police Department staff are sharing limited temporary space, and most Board and Committee meetings have been relocated to the Library. The Select Board has made meaningful progress in identifying workspace options for Town Hall employees, which will allow Police Department staff to remain on the main floor. Three potential locations were evaluated during the search for temporary municipal space. The Citizens Bank building on Route 4 was determined to be too small to accommodate Town Hall staff and the required storage of town records and the cost was significantly higher than other spaces that were being evaluated. The former Mick Construction office was reviewed but ultimately found to present a greater assumption of liability than Town Counsel and Primex considered advisable. The third option, space in the lower Mill owned by Chinburg, remains under active consideration. The Select Board, Town Counsel and Chinburg’s Counsel continue to review the lease terms and expect to reach a conclusion within the next few weeks. In addition to these options, the Select Board, Town Administrator, and Chief of Police have been exploring whether a more invasive temporary reconfiguration of the first floor could accommodate both Town Hall and Police Department staff until a longer‑term solution becomes available. 

The Select Board continues to research and evaluate both short‑term and long‑term solutions for Town Hall and Police Department operations. In addition, the Select Board and Planning Board were recently presented with a potential opportunity to lease a building for the Police Department, with an option to purchase the property in the future. A second option was also introduced to the Select Board: the potential purchase of a new Police Department building that would be constructed by Steve Cantwell on the Pease Lane lot. Further information will be shared with residents if either of these options proves viable. 

New Fire Truck Purchase and Grant Update 

At the 2026 Town Meeting, the warrant article seeking approval of a bond for the purchase of a new fire engine received a majority vote but did not meet the required three‑fifths threshold. Following the vote, the Select Board reviewed the grant requirements and consulted with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to confirm the Town’s ability to retain the $500,000 award. DES advised that the grant would remain available, but the new engine must be purchased and placed into service by September 2027. 

Since the original proposal, manufacturing delays and supply‑chain challenges have increased the cost of the engine and shifted its availability to the fourth quarter of 2027. In light of these changes, the Board requested an extension from DES to ensure the Town could retain the grant while pursuing a purchase later in 2027. 

The Select Board intends to bring forward a new bond request at the 2027 Town Meeting to fund the remaining cost of the engine. The anticipated bond amount will be over $1.1M after an anticipated $250k from Capital Improvement funds is applied towards the purchase. This combined with the $500,000 grant, will allow the Town to move forward with the purchase and meet the updated delivery timeline.