DALTON, Mass. — Public Safety Advisory Committee members have discussed a proposal to establish a public facilities stabilization fund. 

 

The town does not have a stabilization fund dedicated to future public facility projects, including potential needs for construction and renovation of town buildings. 

 

This fund would be a way for the town to proactively save money for construction or renovation projects of public buildings, said Finance Committee member Thomas Irwin. 

 

A fund like this would save up funds to address unexpected repair needs or new construction without depending on temporary funding such as from the American Rescue Plan Act and relieve some additional funding obstacles. 

 

The town does have a capital stabilization fund and a general stabilization fund. 

 

The capital stabilization fund can be used for future capital expenditures such as building repairs or infrastructure projects. 

 

The general stabilization fund has a broader purpose so can be used to handle unexpected emergencies or other things that are not considered capital projects. 

 

There is about $2 million between the capital and general stabilization funds, Town Manager Tom Hutcheson said. 

 

To establish the fund they would first have to present the idea to the finance committee chair to determine if it is feasible, Irwin said. 

 

After the Finance Committee's discussion on the idea, the proposal would have to be made to the town manager and Select Board, he said. 

 

Finally it would have to be added to a town meeting warrant and approved by voters, Irwin said.