Letter from Town of Westwood Board of Selectmen regarding Town Meeting on May 2nd

On May 2nd, Town Meeting will vote to approve funding for a long-awaited, much-needed new police headquarters (Article #15). As you most likely know, our current facility is outdated, obsolete and has proven to be a challenge for our police force to do their job as effectively as they might.

As selectmen, we have witnessed and, in some cases, worked alongside members of the Task Force who have spent countless hours encouraging the community to participate in this important public initiative. Since convening in 2013, Task Force members set out to engage the community and educate all residents as to why a new police headquarters is critical to the safety and security of our wonderful community. The results of those collective efforts is a very well designed facility that meets the current needs of the community and its police force and which can be expanded upon in the future if warranted. As we approach the annual spring Town Meeting, we are proud to say the support for the proposed police headquarters has been far and wide. In fact, several weeks ago, the Finance and Warrant Commission voted (15-0) to unanimously support this proposal.

In order to have a known fixed price for the construction of the facility, the project has already been publically bid. We are pleased to be able to inform you that the bids we received were below the low end of what we expected. It is also important for you to understand that we are going to be able to finance this project within the restraints of Proposition 2 ½ while also providing tax relief for you this year.

The vote on Article 15 is an important one –the kind that deserves the attention of our entire town. We ask that you attend Town Meeting and consider this important initiative.

Town Meeting will take place on Monday, May 2nd in the High School Auditorium with the meeting being called to order at 7:00 PM. Please note the change in start time.

We hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Board of Selectmen, Town of Westwood