When the Newcastle Board of Selectmen told the town fire department they wanted to shut off the winter heat in the Old Taniscot building, they hoped to save the taxpayers some money.
Instead, they lit a fire under the firefighters who shot back in writing, calling the select board proposal, “preposterous and an insult to the fire company” and taxpayers.
Fire Chief Clayton Huntley appeared before the select board Monday set to argue the board’s edict. He said he had heating calculation figures to show the town was in error.
Board president Ellen McFarland declined his offer telling Huntley they would discuss the matter at their meeting on Aug. 31 when the full board was present.
She asked if Huntley would share his calculation figures with the board prior to the meeting.
“I would rather not. I want to walk you through them,” he replied and left the meeting.
The dispute began on June 22, when Town Administrator Ron Grenier, on orders from the select board, notified the fire department that the town planned to stop paying to heat the older part of the Taniscot building. He suggested the fire department might want to move some of its artifacts out of the building to protect them.
The town has constructed a new office attached to the historic Taniscot building.
The historic part of the building, the front section, is the former fire engine house, used by the department since 1876 for monthly meetings and to store some artifacts including an antique hand pumper. The department has a newer building on River Road that houses the department’s offices and fire fighting equipment.
The older building is also used by the Newcastle Historical Society to store some of their collection.
In his letter to the fire department, Grenier said the town anticipates a very dire and serious financial situation in the months ahead as the state implements deeper than anticipated budget cuts to towns.
“It is incumbent upon the town to find as many ways as possible to reduce costs before matters reach critical mass. Therefore, with the onset of the 2009-10 heating season, the town will no longer be paying to heat the older part of the Taniscot building,” said the town’s letter.
Huntley replied in writing.
The building has not been without heat since 1876 and is well insulated, but will sustain considerable damage from freezing and or mold and mildew if not heated. This would require costly repairs, he said.
Huntley said the hand pumper is valuable, noting a similar vintage unit recently sole for more than $140,000.
He called the town’s decision “false economy” and reminded the board at town meeting voted to fund the building.
“The Newcastle Fire Company has occupied the Taniscot Fire Station continually for over 133 years and shall continue to do so.
“The selectmen’s suggestion that we, the Fire Company, should move any or all Fire Company possessions out is not only preposterous but is an insult to the Fire Company and the citizens/Taxpayers…” he said in his letter.
“We hope…you will reconsider and reverse this decision and look to more responsible ways to lower heating costs in a historical building that needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
