Grand Isle is building a new fire station but, after a year-long delay, the project is going to cost more than expected.
The select board considered putting an article on the Election Day ballot to cover the difference between bid estimates and cash on hand, but decided against that option. Next the board discussed borrowing the needed $18,000 from the town's general fund, but a motion to that effect fell flat at an October 28 board meeting. Instead, the board voted to move ahead on the project and trust the gap will be covered by earned interest and the fire department's fundraising efforts.
"After much cutting, chopping and revamping the project is about $63,000 over budget," meeting minutes state. To date, the Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department has fund-raised between $35,000 and $36,000 for the project. An interest bearing checking account for the fire station has earned an additional $10,000.
The needed $63,000 is in addition to a $1.75 million project bond. That bond was approved by voters a year ago, on Election Day 2013. The bond question also withstood the challenge of a rescind vote in January. However, construction was delayed when the select board ordered a feasibility study on the project and existing town buildings.
