Grant could offset rising construction costs for Mattapoisett Highway Department building

MATTAPOISETT — After Town Meeting approved funding for renovation to the Mattapoisett Highway Building last year, the town is considering asking voters to transfer additional funds to cover rising costs for the project.

Because the town received a grant of about $2 million to replace the culvert on Water Street, additional funding may come without an increase to tax rates.

Town Administrator Michael Lorenco said at a Tuesday, Sept. 8 Select Board meeting the funds the town will save on the culvert replacement could offset the higher cost of the building project.

He said with tariffs, delays and rising costs of materials the project will now cost more than the $4 million originally anticipated when it was approved at Spring Town Meeting in 2025.

The building project is currently out for bid, and Lorenco said he anticipates a competitive bidding process. He said this could reduce the cost of the project as well, saving the town money.

“Fingers crossed, we’ll get some more bids in there and then the amount I need to transfer is less than what we think,” Lorenco said.

As Fall Special Town Meeting approaches, the transfer will likely appear on the warrant.

Town Meeting will be held in November, although a date has not yet been announced.