Rehoboth Senior Center Funds Approved

Voters approved $759,814.80 for repairs and maintenance to the Rehoboth Senior Center at Tuesday’s Fall Town Meeting.

The measure earned 98 votes in favor with 44 in opposition.

Sue Pimental, who serves as the town’s Compliance Officer, explained the money will be used to complete the renovations of the buildings at Francis Farm. The town bought the 47 acre property in 2021 for $2.8 million.

The money comes from the insurance payments the town received following the 2020 fire which destroyed the former Senior Center on Bay State Road.

“Having this article will alleviate the budget and ensure there is adequate funding to continue the maintenance and any necessary repairs regardless of any budget constraints,” Pimental said. “The town secured a beautiful campus at zero cost to the taxpayers in providing much needed services to the seniors. The buildings are not new and will need to be maintained to avoid falling into disrepair.”

Colleen Simpson, chair of the Finance Committee, voiced her opposition to the article, noting it would give the Board of Selectmen a “blank check” to do whatever they wanted with the money.

“This article does not provide any specific projects or estimates,” Simpson said. “You just heard a laundry list of what could be done. Right now the funds are sitting in a Capital Stabilization account which should be used for capital projects.”

Pimental noted the funds are designated for the Senior Center and nothing else.

“There are no estimates because we’re using the facility (budget) line right now,” Pimental said, adding the parking area for Francis Hall was extended to allow for greater access to the building.

Other warrant articles which were approved:

• The appropriation of $601,893 from the PEG Access and Cable Fund for the purpose of supporting cable access services for the Town of Rehoboth.
• Authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire the land and buildings known as The Corn Crib located at the intersection of Tremont St. and Anawan St.