ORANGE — The Selectboard intends to add to the Annual Town Meeting warrant an article asking to borrow $1 million to subsidize a water tower needed at the Orange Industrial Park.

The engineering firm Weston & Sampson has designed a potable water storage/fire suppression tower for both the industrial park businesses and a section of town. However, the construction estimate exceeds by at least 25% the figure that had been allocated, which is $2 million between a $1 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant and another $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

Town Administrator Matt Fortier noted that because the town hasn’t gone out to bid yet, the exact price of the water tower is unclear, but “it’s going to cost more than the $2 million budget we have for design, construction oversight and construction.” There is a possibility the total cost could be reduced if the tower serves for fire suppression only, but asking Weston & Sampson to craft new design schematics will cost $62,000.

“You’re talking about another four to six months waiting for a new design to come back,” he said at Wednesday’s Selectboard meeting. “You’re also fighting with inflation.”

Fortier said a tower designated for fire suppression only requires different electronics to prevent water from becoming stagnant and freezing in the winter.

Seaman Paper, the town’s largest employer and part of the industrial park, is reportedly paying exorbitant insurance premiums due to insufficient water capacity.

Selectboard Clerk Andrew Smith said he thinks there is no choice but to ask residents to borrow money. Similarly, member Jane Peirce said she believes the best option is to stick with the current project “and get the darn thing done.” Fortier advised he recommends borrowing up to $1 million “to cover all our bases,” pending approval from Town Meeting voters.

When Selectboard Vice Chair Pat Lussier said there is not a pressing need for the tower, Peirce said Seaman Paper might opt to leave Orange if one isn’t built. But Lussier responded by saying that is “an age-old ploy that is used” and the town should not feel strong-armed by a business.

Lussier was the only Selectboard member to vote against Peirce’s motion to draft a Town Meeting warrant article requesting to borrow up to $1 million for the tower.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.