As a longtime resident of Harpswell, I have been trying to keep up with the volunteer challenges and concerns regarding the central fire station proposal primarily by reading the Anchor articles. I find it interesting that although the town already has three fire stations, there is a plan to build a fourth.
The geography in Harpswell necessitates a division of resources to ensure proper emergency services. A study conducted in 2008 (available on the town website) did not recommend a fourth fire station.
The cost of construction of a new central fire station, the bond interest, and the cost to staff, equipe and maintain the building for 25 years could exceed $13 million.
The town will be voting on the most consequential and expensive project in the town’s history, and yet the Select Board decided not to engage the services of a consultant for a third-party review of the town’s emergency services. A consultant review would provide the town with an updated, independent, unbiased perspective, including an updated cost-benefit analysis with supporting data. Why wouldn’t the town of Harpswell support a third-party review for a project that is so important to our residents?
I am supportive of all our emergency responders that keep us safe at all hours of the night and day, sometimes at personal risk, but I will not be voting to support a fourth fire station without a third-party review of Harpswell’s emergency services.
Katie Hall, Orr’s Island
