How projects sometimes go, just as an FYI;
Page 28 of the Templeton 2003 annual town report, there is an item under the Templeton municipal Light & water department. "The commissioners voted to withdraw $400,000.00 from the MMWEC working capital account to make up the increase above the 1.5 million dollars voted at town meeting to pay for the new light building." Oops, a little bit over what was estimated and asked for. Later, there was 1.9 million asked for to build or buy a 12,000 sqf. building for a town hall. The last bid received for that project was in the 3.5 - 4 million dollars range. 1.9 million was approved at town meeting. I believe in Gardner, the new police station was said to cost near the 12 million dollar range and at last count I saw, I believe it was in the 14 million dollar range to finish it. Looking at those items and others, I do not have much confidence in the Templeton school project coming in under budget, I expect it will cost Templeton more than 24 million dollars and more than $1.74 per thousand. I also happen to think these things should have been part of the discussion. If it is wanted and is a good deal, it will and would have still passed. Do not be afraid of a second vote, be confident in 2 yes votes. Don't be afraid, unless you scared that since the real information has come out, the second sell might not pass!


posted by Jeff Bennett