DPW Bids Come In Lower Than Anticipated

Due to cost-cutting and a favorable bidding environment, the estimated cost to construct a new Department of Public Works facility has dropped by approximately $500,000.

The previous estimate was a total cost of $11.1 million which has now been reduced to $10.6 million.

At the annual town meeting on Monday, voters will be asked to approve the project then asked again on Tuesday, at a special election, to approve an debt exclusion to fund the project.  

A very similar project was proposed two years ago and passed at town meeting but failed at the polls. The project has been reduced over the last two years (including the elimination of two bays and a reduction in office space) but the cost remains the same due construction costs that continue to rise.

Mike Quinlan of the Medfield Permanent Building Committee will explain the breakdown of the bides to town meeting on Monday (beginning at 7:30pm in the MHS auditorium).

Cost breakdown: 

• Construction Cost (including a new salt shed; plus demolition, site work, and construction the new building) -- $8,000,000 
• Soft Costs (including professional fees, permits, commissioning, testing, furnishings, IT, moving expenses, etc) -- $2,000,000
• Contingencies -- $600,000

The total cost of the project is expected to be $10.6 million, minus $1.1 million that was previously-appropriated to the project, leaving a request for funds/debt exclusion to taxpayers at $9.5 million. 

For more information (including PowerPoint presentations and meeting minutes), visit medfieldpbc.org or email info@medfieldpbc.org.

For more town meeting warrant information, click HERE.

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