2008-03-13 / Letters

Too big, too expensive

How big is too big? The proposed public safety complex is a total of 43,500 square feet - roughly the size of 36 ranch-style homes. It has seven fire/EMS bays, 125 parking spaces. Three main entrances plus a fourth emergency entrance and two sets of traffic lights on Main Street. That's big. Too big.

How expensive is too expensive? The total cost, including tax increases, IIF tax payments and interest payments will be approximately $23 million to be 100 percent paid for by the taxpayers of Holden. A cost to the average taxpayer of nearly $3,400 ($168.66 per year for 20 years). A cost that is more than $66 per square foot higher than the Paxton safety complex that is scheduled for later this year. That's expensive. Too expensive.

Do we need to do something? Yes. Is this an afforable answer? No. For the third time this project is too big and too expensive.

Please vote "no" for a third time at the polls on St. Patrick's Day, March 17.
Pauline Dillon
North Street

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