Blackstone officials mull priorities for capital spending

BLACKSTONE – Town Administrator Daniel M. Keyes Tuesday provided the selectmen an early preview of Fiscal Year 2021 departmental capital funding requests that could potentially go before annual town meeting voters next year.

Keyes said level-funded departmental budgets have been submitted in preparation for budget hearings scheduled to begin Saturday, Jan. 1- including capital budget requests from the Department of Public Works and the Police and Fire Departments.

According to Keyes, the Department of Public Works has indicated it will bee seeking to replace a boom mower at a cost of $130,000, while the Police Department will be looking to replace a cruiser. Meanwhile, the Fire Department is requesting capital funding in the budget for a new ambulance and pumper, and the Recycling Valley Recycling Center is requesting budget funds for a new baler and skid steer.

During this year’s budget cycle town voters authorized the selectmen to borrow $1 million to fund a major capital campaign to repair and upgrade public buildings and town-owned properties, including renovation to the Fire Department’s two outlying fire stations, and repairs to the Police Department’s cellblock area.

The $1 million includes $310,000 for repairs to the public safety building on St. Paul Street; $275,000 for renovations to the two fire stations, police cell blocks and improvements to the Blackstone Public Library; $265,000 for paving work at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School; and $75,000 for upgrades to the Blackstone Historical Museum.

The Fire Department’s Station #1 headquarters at 15 St. Paul St. houses two engines, two rescues, two tankers and a ladder truck. Station #2 at 666 Rathbun St. houses an engine and dive truck, while Station #3 at 132 Elm St. houses a tanker and two engines, including an outdated 1994 truck the department is looking to replace.