Those who attended a public hearing Wednesday, Dec. 5 might have the impression the majority of Woolwich residents do not want to spend the $850,000 to $1 million for a new town office addition. But survey results from election day indicate otherwise.

The Woolwich Building Committee has been seeking feedback from residents regarding two proposed designs for an addition to the town office. People on both sides of the issue have said there needs to be more space for municipal services; but of those against the proposal, some said this is just not the right time.

Approximately 75 percent of those at the December 5 public hearing at the Woolwich Central School voted against the proposed building project in a straw poll, according to Building Committee Chairman Dana Lindsey and others who attended. However, the committee is going to review all of the responses they have received so far in the next several weeks and will make their recommendation to the town's Board of Selectmen.

After a previous proposal was removed from the annual town warrant last May, a new 15-member Building Committee formed to continue to explore other options for a town office addition. A hand count of approximately 300 people at the town meeting showed unanimous support for this action, and reflects an interest among residents to see some sort of expansion of municipal services via additional town office space.

Woolwich's Comprehensive Plan, published in 2009, “envisions that a new Town Office be constructed” in the same area, but that it should be across Route 1 and separate from the existing building. 

The plan recommends the current town office be retained as an expanded fire station and that an added overpass over Route 1 would provide safe access between buildings.

However, since that time, the focus has been on an expansion of the existing town office. The committee lists several reasons why. The building was constructed in 1980 and needs updating to meet state and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) codes requirements. 

Town office staff need more space to conduct business; this includes having private consultation space for those seeking general assistance, to meet with the tax assessor and other matters. And Woolwich Emergency Medical Service personnel need more space for vehicles and supplies. 

The committee states this is a good time to build a new addition; interest rates on loans are low and increased competition for contracting bids could save on the overall cost. Town officials have said Woolwich is financially solvent and is in a good position for such a project.

“I think the town should live within its means,” resident Philip Gosline said. “Why put ourselves in debt?”

Gosline said he is not against the proposal, but thinks now is not the best time. Instead of investing in studies for a town office addition, Woolwich should invest in economic development to improve the business climate, Gosline said.

“There is no question an expansion is needed,” local small business owner Marty Eaton said. But he agreed with Gosline: “It's not the right time.” 

Eaton said he would feel better about the project had funds been used to locate another site for a separate, energy-efficient building, and if the town waited until it had the money. 

To resolve some of the space issues, such as meetings with selectmen and the planning board, Eaton recommended the town use the Nequasset Meeting House just across Nequasset Road. He said the Woolwich Central School, where selectmen now hold regular meetings, also provides ample meeting space. 

But selectmen and others have said the Regional School Unit (to which Woolwich Central School belongs) could charge the town at some point in the future, even though the school district does not charge the town for use of the space at this time. 

Resident Clark Granger, who co-wrote the Comprehensive Plan, said he agrees there should be more space for municipal services, but thinks the current building is never going to be satisfactory over the long-term. 

The town could wait until it has enough money to invest in another building, but the concern is that relocation and a new design would add significant cost.

The proposed projects are estimated to cost either $850,000 or $1 million, depending on which design the town approves, if any. As described on the election day survey, plan A adds $10 per $100,000 of property valuation each year and plan B adds $12 per $100,000 to a property owner's taxes.

The two proposed town office addition designs were created by Bath architect David Matero. They illustrate how an addition to the current structure would provide enough space for municipal services, Woolwich EMS, more space for parking, as well as improved heating and air conditioning systems.

Those who were unable to obtain a copy of the election day survey and attached designs can view these proposed designs at the Woolwich town office.