A big-ticket item Weare voters can expect to see on the town ballot this year is a bond proposal for a new 22,400-squarefoot Public Works and transfer station/ recycling facility.

This proposal is Article 9 on the town warrant. It currently requests $1 million for a new facility, however, that number has increased since the town now has a quote from the architect.

“That $1 million number was a place holder,” said selectmen Chairman Tom Clow at a Jan. 19 bond hearing. “We knew the figure would change.”

According to Public Works director Carl Knapp, the proposal is similar to a plan on last year’s town warrant, which the town rejected.

The new facility would include a recycling center, 17 truck/equipment bays, one wash bay, one car repair bay, and a truck repair bay and welding area. There would also be offices, a lunch room, parts room and bathrooms.

“This is needed badly,” said Knapp. “The facility we’re in, the condition is poor, at best. In the winter, it’s tough on the men and the equipment.”

According to Joint Loss Management Committee member Christine Hague, hazards have been identified in the building, such as poor ventilation in the highway barn and replacement and upgrades needed to the electrical wiring.

“This is not a frivolous request,” said Hague. “One overall expenditure is a lot better than a bunch of little teeny ones.” Knapp said a new facility would also increase the length of time in which the town would be able to keep a vehicle by two or three years.

“A new plow truck costs $150,000 to $155,000,” said Knapp. “Over time, this would save some money.”

Knapp said he plans to again meet with the architect on Friday, Jan. 23, to whittle down a quote on the new facility even more.

A final amount will be set at the deliberative session of Town Meeting on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Weare Middle School. The meeting will begins at 9 a.m.

“For people who are unsure about the whole thing, the answer I give this is, ‘Come see the current facility,’” said Knapp. “It speaks for itself.”