Rumford officials want to see what tax reforms take place before starting such a major project.
RUMFORD – Plans to build a new fire station have been put on hold until the state and its voters decide the kind of property tax reforms that will take place.
Rumford Fire Chief John Woulfe said that although he was disappointed, he understands why the town wants to wait before trying to go ahead with a major capital project.
Woulfe had hoped to hold a couple of public informational meetings next month to explain the need for a modern facility, followed by some kind of article in the annual June town meeting warrant that would request money to build a new station.
“We need to figure out the impact of property tax reform,” he said. “I agree with the delay. With all the meetings I’ve been going to, there’s a lot of stuff put on hold.”
At least two proposals will go before voters in referendum in June or November.
Town Manager Robert Welch has said that both would seriously impact the town’s municipal budget if passed.
The Fire Department has been working with a consultant during the past couple of years to help determine the kinds of changes that must be made to the Department so it can meet the many new tasks for which it is responsible nowadays. The recommendation was to build a new facility. A new station is also needed to house a ladder truck that is too large to fit into the 1925, historic brick station on Congress Street in the downtown area.
A possible site was tentatively identified at the town snow dump alongside the Androscoggin River off Rumford Avenue.
“We’ll put our best foot forward (for a new station) in a better tax environment,” said Woulfe.
Meanwhile, he said plans are going ahead to construct a temporary building to house the new ladder truck in the corner of the municipal lot on River Street behind the fire station.
The temporary structure, expected to cost about $20,000, will be built with mostly volunteer help from department members. Construction is being coordinated by local contractor Raymond Baker.
Woulfe said the temporary building should be completed sometime in April.
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