I’m writing as chair of the Heath Finance Committee in support of the sale of Heath’s former school property at 18 Jacobs Road to Carnegie Arch, LLC because it would provide the town with a revenue stream. Heath’s FY2019 tax rate of $21.60 is the 10th highest in the state, we estimate the FY2020 rate at $22.31, and with the beginning of broadband payments in FY2021 we estimate the FY2021 rate at close to $25. I will be voting for a debt exclusion for broadband this Friday. Jim Mullaney of Carnegie Arch estimates an annual income from Carnegie Arch to Heath of $245,000. This would lower taxes and allow more money to be spent on other needed projects such as broadband.
In addition, Carnegie Arch will offer 20-30 construction, security, cultivation, retail, laboratory, and commercial kitchen jobs with preference given to qualified residents of Heath. Both full and part time positions will be available, and some will include benefits.
Some in favor of keeping the former school say that Heath needs a new fire station and that the school property would be a good site. The town has no plan on the table for one there and no guarantee that the $1 million state grant that some people are counting on will be available. Sen. Hinds has submitted a bill requesting a needs analysis of several small towns including Heath. If the bill is passed, the analysis is done, and the need is demonstrated, Heath can lobby for the release of funds, but the state’s focus has been on supporting efforts to regionalize. Heath has an ongoing, effective relationship with Colrain for fire and ambulance services who respond to all calls in Heath. All calls go directly to Colrain. Heath’s size and decline in volunteerism make it an excellent prospect for regionalization.
It’s been said that the former school building will have all the space needed to meet the town’s municipal needs. But municipal needs such as a new salt shed or maintenance of the town garage would be separate. How will these projects be funded?
Some have said that the cost of operating the school for municipal purposes is about equal to the cost of operating Sawyer and Community Halls. I think the cost of operating the school for municipal purposes would be more. The heating and electricity bills for Sawyer and Community Hall between July 2018 and April 2019 total $13,827.70 with buildings open six days a week. The cost of heating oil and electricity at the closed school building with limited use during the same period has been $18,272.06 with the thermostat set at 55 degrees. While I know that the older buildings have their maintenance issues, I think the town has maintained those buildings well. If Heath keeps the school and uses it for municipal purposes the town budget would need to include money for roof repair ($250,000), a custodian position with benefits ($35,669), parking lot repaving (estimated between $50,800 to $137,767), installation of a generator ($50,000 to $80,000), and we might be required to install a new sprinkler system. The low estimate for the total cost would be $386,469 without including any cost for a sprinkler system or retrofitting.
For a public meeting place the Community Hall met the need when Heath’s population was 20 percent greater than it is now. The Community Hall balcony may provide additional seating. The infrequent need for a large meeting space can be accommodated at Hawlemont, Heath’s official school.
Heath’s work on its energy needs gives cause for celebrating. The Town this year has been designated a “Green Community” which opens possibilities for grants to assist with solar installations. The current incentive programs for municipalities favor smaller arrays that take advantage of net-metering. One viable site is at 5 Ledges Road. With $88,000 remaining in a designation grant the Energy Advisory Committee is exploring all options.
The people of Heath have creatively explored ways in which the former school property might be used. When it comes time to vote on Article 15 at the Annual Town Meeting, I urge you to allow the Selectboard to sell the 18 Jacobs Road property.
Ned Wolf is chair of the Heath Finance Committee.