Winthrop Council Unanimously Backs $38.5 Million Fire Station Debt Exclusion for April Ballot

WINTHROP — February 11, 2025 — Winthrop Town Council votes 9-0 to place $38.5 million fire station debt exclusion on the April 5 ballot. The unanimous vote authorizes borrowing to demolish the old middle school and auditorium and build a consolidated fire station, with annual debt service estimated at $489 for the average assessed-value homeowner under a 25-year bond — a structure Council President Letary said saves the town $8.6 million in interest compared with a 30-year note. The council also voted 8-1 to create an Education Stabilization Fund that would receive $1.45 million if a companion school override question passes on the same ballot, with Councilor Aiello dissenting over voter-confusion concerns. Vice President Belcher's strongly worded follow-up letter demanding year-round, seven-day ferry service and a divorce from the Quincy route passed unanimously, addressed to MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt after a July 2024 council letter went completely unanswered. Town Attorney Jim Cipolletta told the council that the former middle school parcel carries no Article 97 open-space restrictions and requires only a majority council vote to change its use, clearing a key legal hurdle for the fire station project.