DPW Chair advocates $35M new building for improved employee conditions and efficiency

The Acton Select Board convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss critical infrastructure needs, particularly focusing on the proposed $35 million renovation of the Department of Public Works (DPW) building. This project aims to address longstanding issues related to space, safety, and compliance that have hindered the department's operations and employee well-being.

Chair of the DPW building committee, Dean Roberts, emphasized the urgent need for the renovation, citing that the current facility, built in 1969, is significantly undersized for the town's growing population and infrastructure demands. He pointed out that the building's inadequacies lead to inefficiencies, such as time wasted moving equipment and a lack of proper facilities for female employees. The proposed renovation is expected to cost approximately $250 per average household annually over a 30-year bond, a figure that Roberts and fellow board member David Dean Roberts argue is a worthwhile investment for the community.

David Dean Roberts reinforced the importance of the project, highlighting that the current working conditions for DPW employees are unhealthy and unfair. He noted that the project has already undergone two rounds of size reductions and value engineering to ensure it meets operational needs while being cost-effective for taxpayers. He also mentioned that the town has already invested over a million dollars in the design phase, making it crucial to move forward to avoid losing that investment and facing higher costs due to construction inflation.

The discussion also touched on the building's environmental impact, with assurances that the new facility will be fossil fuel-free, aligning with broader sustainability goals. The board members acknowledged the differing priorities between the Select Board and the Finance Committee, with the former focusing on operational efficiency and employee welfare, while the latter emphasizes taxpayer costs.

As the meeting concluded, the Select Board underscored the necessity of addressing the DPW building's deficiencies to enhance service delivery and employee satisfaction, marking a significant step towards improving community infrastructure in Acton.