Introduction, Study Method, Study Guidelines

Introduction

The major municipal facilities in Tisbury are currently located in makeshift, overcrowded and inefficient quarters that were not designed for these purposes. The Town Hall, The Town Hall Annex, Fire Department and Police Department buildings all have serious drawbacks stemming from their location and/or the limitations of the buildings.

Past attempts to address one or another of these needs on a case-by-case basis have not been successful. Any decision to expand, move or rebuild one or another of these facilities has consequences that seriously impact the others. If a facility is to be relocated, should we sell the old property to raise revenue to pay for the new one? Might the town need the land for some other purpose? If we sell the property, will we ever find anything equivalent in the future? What options are available to us for each of these issues? Are there other problems that are being ignored? With so many needs confronting us, which should have priority?

In an effort to come to grips with these issues, the Planning Board and Select Board have undertaken a broad study of all of our municipal needs to see if a coordinated look at all our major municipal services will be more effective than dealing with them one at a time.

Study Method

Over the summer and fall, the board conducted a survey of all town departments about available space, current needs and future projections,

At the same time, we have developed a Town Lands database showing all town properties, their acreage, number and size of buildings and assessed values. Beyond its immediate use. We hope to develop this database further so that, in future years, it can be a tool for monitoring these proposals, maintaining a full-fledged Capital Budget and setting development priorities for the town.

Maps have been created of all town lands and potential private sites. These sites have been studied to determine their suitability and availability for various town uses.

Past plans and reports for municipal services needs have been reviewed.

We have had meetings and consultations with Selectmen and other town commissions and committees about town needs, options and priorities.

Study Guidelines

• Adhere to the Tisbury Master Plan Principles and Objectives published August 19, 2005 (see Appendix A).
• Work to create a logical, coordinated, long-term pattern of locations and functions.
• Short-term arrangements should have both immediate value as well as long-term potential.
• Make the most efficient use of the properties that the town currently owns but don't limit options to Town land only.
• Do not create a net loss existing amenities or services; that is, do not reduce or marginalize one set of needs to order to resolve another.
• Prioritize these needs and coordinate their financing with the Town's ability to manage them.