Third time's the charm for Guilford building project

GUILFORD – Being guaranteed no increase in taxes was the big reason voters approved the Guilford Town Hall and Highway Garage project Tuesday, Building Committee members speculate.

Town residents said “yes,” 298-200, to a third version of the building proposition after defeating two higher-priced proposals 247-105 in April 2006 and 364-280 in November 2006.

The proposal calls for a new 4,000 square foot town hall and 11,700 square foot highway garage at a cost that won’t exceed $1.65 million or require a raise in taxes.

“Bringing the price down to a lesser amount – that’s what made the difference,” said Building Committee member and Guilford Town Councilman Bruce Winsor. “No new taxes – that’s what the taxpayers wanted, and we’re all just very pleased it finally went through.”