HADLEY — Before a decision is made on whether to bring a $20.3 million, 23,247-square-foot Department of Public Works headquarters project before voters, as early as annual Town Meeting in May, the Select Board will be getting more information about financing the building and the potential impact on property taxes.

The Select Board Wednesday received a presentation from DPW Building Committee Chairman James Maksimoski about the final plans, developed by Helene Karl Architects, showing a one-story building with a dedicated wash bay, two mechanical bays with lifts and storage for much of the fleet, and an attached office building with bathrooms, locker rooms and a conference room. The new building would go up at the current DPW site at 230-232 Middle St.

But the board put off a decision on whether to bring the project to voters at annual Town Meeting in May. Chairwoman Molly Keegan said the board has time to learn more and speak with Finance Director Linda Sanderson about how to pay for the building.

“I think it makes sense to bring it back at a future meeting,” Keegan said.

Maksimoski explained that the range of property tax impacts will depend on many factors, including the interest rate and length of borrowing. Initial projections are that the project would add 92 cents to $1.47 per $1,000 valuation, which for an average $390,000 home could mean adding $90 to $143 to each quarterly bill.

Select Board member David J. Fill II said increasing property taxes up to $600 annually could be tough for residents on fixed incomes.  “I’m not saying it’s not needed but at the same time, how do we make it work?” Fill said.

Maksimoski said during the development of the building, committee members were mindful of keeping it affordable and only including necessities. “The committee nitpicked this facility a lot,” Maksimoski said.

And the committee got the project down from being in the $30 million range and a two-story plan to a single level, after the town acquired a neighboring house that will be razed.

“The facility is much needed,” Maksimoski said. “The highway department does way more than just plow the snow.”

Long term, it will also benefit taxpayers by keeping most of the vehicles out of the elements, which, along with the better maintenance that can be done, could add three to five years to their lifespan.

Also with the project, the town will get a new salt storage shed and a generator, while the old DPW building will remain on site as storage.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.