SWANZEY, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Residents gathered Monday night at Whitcomb Hall for the town’s deliberative session, debating key warrant articles ahead of the March 11 town election.
 
Major topics included a proposed $6.4 million loan to purchase and upgrade the privately owned West Swanzey Water Co., a $3.5 million bond for a new fire station, and the town’s $8.37 million operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
 
Water Company Purchase Draws Debate
 
One of the most discussed proposals was the town’s plan to purchase the West Swanzey Water Co., a private utility that serves more than 200 households. The selectboard has recommended buying the system for $600,000 as part of a larger $6.4 million project, which would be funded by a low-interest state loan with significant principal forgiveness. The remaining costs would be repaid through increased water rates for users.
 
Town Administrator Michael Branley explained that West Swanzey’s water infrastructure has long struggled with issues, including inadequate storage, substandard fire flows, and outdated facilities. Because the company is private, it has been subject to Public Utilities Commission rate limits and has lacked the funding needed for improvements. The proposed purchase would allow for upgrades, including a new pump house and storage tank.
 
Some residents questioned whether $600,000 was a fair price for the company, while others supported the move, saying town ownership would provide stability and allow for future economic growth. If approved in March, voters would need to ratify the purchase again once a final price is determined.
 
Fire Station Proposal Faces Familiar Challenges
 
Another significant discussion centered on the long-debated plan to build a new fire station, which has appeared on the ballot for seven consecutive years but has yet to secure the two-thirds majority needed for approval.
This year’s proposal is for a $3.5 million facility to replace the current fire station under the town hall, which officials say lacks space and fails to meet modern safety standards. The new station would be built farther north on Route 32, while Swanzey’s two other fire stations would remain operational.
The latest plan is scaled back from previous versions, costing $1.32 million less than last year’s failed $5.28 million proposal. The town would use existing funds from its fire station capital reserve account to reduce the bond amount to $2.5 million.
 
Supporters, including Fire Chief Eric Mattson, argued the facility is necessary for safety and operational efficiency, while some residents raised concerns about the cost and the two-thirds majority required for approval.
 
The estimated tax impact is 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $45 per year for a home assessed at $300,000. If the measure fails, the town would instead vote on adding $300,000 to the capital reserve fund for future fire station projects.
 
Grange Hall Funding Removed
 
The session also saw debate over whether to allocate $75,000 to the Golden Rod Grange Hall. Supporters argued the historic building has cultural value and could be used for community activities, while critics called it a financial burden. An amendment passed to remove the funding, reducing the town’s capital reserve contribution to $402,500.
 
Polling Location Study Approved
 
Voters also debated Article 16, which originally proposed adding a second polling location at Whitcomb Hall. Concerns over cost and logistics led to an amendment changing the measure to a feasibility study instead. Residents ultimately approved the amendment, and the revised article will appear on the March ballot.
 
All warrant articles, as amended, were moved forward and will be decided by voters at the town election on March 11 at Monadnock Regional High School.