Belmont Mill repair bill much higher than expected

A maintenance and repair project at the historic Belmont Mill that was estimated to cost about $10,000 could end up being more than five times that figure, according to information discussed at the last meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

Town Administrator Jeanne Beaudin told the board that recent bids submitted by contractors for the work were significantly higher than the single-line item figure included in the town’s capital improvements projects budget voters approved at the annual Town Meeting in March.

“One of the bids came in at $52,000,” she said. “Another, which was better, was for $23,000.”

Beaudin said the original $10,000 figure came from a local contractor but that when the work was put out for public bidding, as is the town’s usual practice, the estimates were nowhere close to that figure.

Earlier this week Beaudin explained that the project was included as part of the Capital Improvement Program budget because town leaders viewed it simply as regular maintenance to the 1800s mill. “It’s for some things that are in decay, like the twelve dormers have wood that needs to be replaced, there’s some trim work related to that, and some interior painting that needs to be done.”

At the meeting, the administrator told the selectman that one of the bidding contractors indicated that there was not enough specific information about the project in the bid proposal to make an accurate estimate of its costs.

Another idea discussed at the meeting was using a plastic-wood composite material for some of the dormer work. “It’s recommended for its long-term durability,” Beaudin said.

“It’s forever,” agreed Selectman Reggie Caldwell.

The mill, which was built in the 1800s, was taken for unpaid taxes but sat dormant with a number of old mill-related structures for many years until about 15 years ago when a former Board of Selectmen voted to demolish the complex. The destruction was well underway before residents interested in the historic nature of the last building standing were able to convince voters to hold off on its demolition until grants could be sought for its restoration.

The project succeeded and now the mill houses a doctor’s office, the Belmont Senior Center, the Seeds of Promise Child Care Center and the Food for Thought Café, which is operated by the culinary arts department of the New Hampshire Technical College in Laconia.

At its last meeting, the Selectboard asked Beaudin to gather some more specific information about the work that was needed on the mill and allow contractors to bid on the project again.

If the figures submitted are still significantly higher than the original estimate, the $10,0000 approved in March will be encumbered until next year’s town meeting when voters will be asked to okay the additional funds.