Public hearing on new police station planned for Tuesday

FARMINGTON — A public hearing on the proposed police station building project is planned for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the downstairs meeting room at the Municipal Building.

The hearing, held at the start of the selectmen's meeting, provides an opportunity for the public to comment and ask questions about the proposed project prior to a referendum Nov. 3.

Voters will be asked to approve construction of a police station, appropriate the sum of $2,750,000 to fund the project and authorize the town treasurer and chairman of the Board of Selectmen to secure bonds necessary to pay for the project.

The project proposes a 9,000-square-foot, single-story building on 1.5 acres of town property at High Street and  Farmington Falls Road.

With an estimated interest rate of 4.5 percent for 30 years, the estimated costs for the project would be $2,750,000 in principal and $1,919,918 in interest for a total of $4,669,918.

Following the hearing, the board will discuss and consider adopting a resolution for the November ballot initiative known as the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights II (TABOR II).

They will also consider applying for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to install a thermal hot air system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The grant would require the town committing $3,505 in matching funds for the grant.

A request from The Children's Center of Augusta for funding of $3,772.50 will be considered as an article on the town meeting warrant.

The Children's Center provides child care and services for special needs children, according to its Web site. The request states it provides services for central Maine towns including Farmington.

abryant@sunjournal.com