Dorset To Get A New Town Building, Thanks To Anonymous Donor

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(Host) A new combination firehouse and community center could be in Dorset’s future, thanks to an unnamed benefactor who wants to help the town.

Dorset town Manager Rob Gaiotte says the would-be donor is a local resident who approached the town about a year ago.

(Gaiotte) "We had a resident come forward and express an interest to do something really positive for the community. We met with the donor and upon… discussion and fleshing things out, one of the needs we talked about was a… potential new fire station or firehouse. And kind of to our surprise the donor… came forward with the interest to help financially with the bulk of the project."

(Host) Dorset is divided by a mountain from the village of East Dorset. The town has two volunteer fire companies now, one to serve each side. But the division has led to a difference in tax bills between the two sides of town, and that’s become a problem for some residents. 

Consolidating the two fire companies in a new emergency services center could be a partial answer, Gaiotte says.

Officials are encouraging townspeople to weigh in on what a new town building should include.

(Giaotte) "I mean… if the town is able to construct a building of this nature with very little town funds…It’s really a unique opportunity for the community and it’s something that could help many generations of residents in the community."

(Host) Town officials are encouraging public input on the idea. They hope to have a more developed proposal and perhaps an advisory vote at Town Meeting in March.

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