The Waitsfield Select Board okayed spending some $11,000 in repairs and upgrades to the town office elevator after discussing the issue during several recent meetings. The board approved the spending and repairs at its July 28 meeting. The work comes following a recent assessment that highlighted the need for maintenance to extend the equipment’s lifespan and ensure continued accessibility for residents and employees.
During a regular meeting at the end of July, board members reviewed a quote from Otis Elevator Company for $8,525.75 to complete a necessary mechanical repair to the elevator system. In addition to the base repair, Otis also recommended replacing the existing oil with an upgraded hydraulic oil designed to reduce wear and tear on internal components. That optional upgrade, priced at $2,751.88, is expected to double the life expectancy of a key elevator part from five years to 10.
Board members expressed support for both the repair and the oil replacement, noting that the additional investment now could prevent more costly breakdowns in the future. Some discussion centered around which maintenance line items in the current budget could be used to fund the work. While no final decision was made on which fund would be tapped, officials indicated confidence that the costs could be absorbed without requiring an adjustment to the overall budget.
The board ultimately voted to approve both the repair and the oil replacement work, authorizing a total expenditure of $11,277.63. The motion passed unanimously with no objections.
The elevator, which serves the two-story town office building, ensures that municipal services are accessible to all residents, including seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. Officials said keeping the elevator in good working condition is essential not only for compliance with accessibility requirements but also for maintaining public trust in the reliability of town facilities.
One board member noted that while elevator issues are often invisible to the public until something breaks down, the cost of delaying repairs or maintenance can quickly escalate. One board member pointed out that the elevator is one of those behind-the-scenes system that needs to be attended to before there’s a crisis.
The building itself has seen increased use in recent years, with a steady flow of residents visiting for permits, records, and other municipal services. As such, town officials have made infrastructure upkeep a growing priority, with particular focus on systems like heating, cooling, and transportation equipment such as the elevator.
No public comments were made regarding the elevator item during the meeting, and no opposition was voiced during the board’s discussion. The approved work is expected to be scheduled promptly, although an exact start date has not yet been confirmed.
The elevator repair is one of several facilities-related items the board is currently reviewing as part of a broader effort to address infrastructure across town properties. With many components nearing or past their expected service life, officials say proactive investment now could help avoid disruptions and costly emergency repairs in the future.
