Following the FY26 Budget and Special Article Information Session on April 16, 2025, several important questions were raised regarding the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Warrant article related to the Town's potential acquisition of the two Sandisfield fire stations.

The Select Board would like to provide further explanation and context.

What Does the Warrant Article Propose?

The article asks voters to authorize the Select Board to negotiate to acquire the fire stations located at 207 Sandisfield Road (Station #2) and 79 South Main Street (Station #1) by gift, purchase, or eminent domain. It proposes a total appropriation of $765,000 to cover acquisition and associated costs. Of that total, $440,000 would come from Free Cash, and $325,000 from the General Stabilization Account.

Where Do Negotiations Stand?

Town Counsel is actively engaged in discussions with legal representatives of the Sandisfield Fire Department, Inc. (SFDI). The goal is to reach an agreement no later than May 1, 2025, ahead of the Annual Town Meeting on May 17, 2025. Three potential outcomes are under consideration:

1. Gift (Preferred Option)

The Select Board is hopeful that SFDI will donate the fire stations, preserving their use for public safety and honoring SFDI's founding mission. This option best aligns with the Town's values and ensures a continued legacy of community service.

2. Purchase

If a donation cannot be reached, a traditional sale of the properties may proceed. This would involve negotiating a fair price with SFDI and transferring title through a standard real estate closing process.

3. Eminent Domain

The Town may pursue eminent domain, either cooperatively (a "friendly taking") or unilaterally. Two independent appraisals determined a total value of $765,000, with Station #1 valued at $205,000 and Station #2 at $560,000. A friendly taking offers benefits such as:

• Clear, uncontested title
• Faster acquisition for public use
• Potential for reduced compensation if agreed upon by the owner and a formal waiver is signed relinquishing any future claims

Should mutual agreement not be reached, the Town would proceed with a standard taking as a last resort, paying the full appraised value. And while the Select Board remains firm that a donation or reduced sale is in the best interest of the Town, we are optimistic that should eminent domain be required, SFDI would reinvest the proceeds in equipment or apparatus that benefit the department.

Why Is This Acquisition Necessary?

The Town currently leases both fire stations from SFDI, but is responsible for funding their operation and maintenance costs. However, the Town does not own the buildings, leaving long-term operations vulnerable.

Recent actions by SFDI-including the removal of the Town as the designated recipient of the buildings in its Articles of Incorporation and ongoing concerns around transparency and financial accountability-have underscored the need for change.

In addition, the 2024 Collins Center EMS Study, available online at www.sandisfieldma.gov, recommended Town ownership of emergency service facilities to ensure stability and control. The Select Board strongly believes that acquiring these firehouses is a critical step toward safeguarding public safety, improving governance, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

What Happens to SFDI After the Acquisition?

SFDI may continue to operate as a nonprofit partner following the acquisition. Nonprofits can play an important role in supporting public services by seeking private donations, grants, and fundraising revenue-resources that can complement Town funding and enhance operations.

The Select Board remains hopeful that, regardless of the outcome of the acquisition, SFDI will continue its longstanding role in supporting the Sandisfield Fire Department and the broader community with transparency and mutual collaboration.