Police Chief: Approving Station at Lower Cost Was 'More Appropriate for the Integrity of the Entire Project'

Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix said that while he appreciates the residents who were willing to approve the proposed police station at a higher than expected cost, it was critical in his eyes to instead vote as the town did at the level of the initially proposed budget.

On Monday at the opening night of Annual Town Meeting, residents approved the police station plans at a cost of $7.2 million. Recently, planners said the expected budget was $7.9 million, which was $700,000 higher than when residents approved it at the ballot box.

During Town Meeting, a motion was made to instead approve $7.9 million. It was narrowly defeated by residents.

"I feel the defeat of that motion was appropriate, as much as it was appreciated," said Nix. "It was more appropriate for the integrity of the entire project that we go forward with the $7.2 million figure, because that is what the initial vote was based upon."

Nix said that he was happy that residents realized what he called a "drastic need to replace the facility" when they approved the plans. 

The Sudbury Chief said the station will go a long way in helping the department in a variety of different areas, including training and assuring that his dispatch operators have the space required to properly assist residents in need.

"I want to thank everyone for their input on the best way to proceed," said Nix. "On behalf of myself and the leadership team, I want to thank voters for their support and their understanding for the need. I feel strongly that the $7.2 million figure was the appropriate direction to go."