HADLEY — A smaller, 15,000-square-foot building that could still meet most of the long-term needs for the Department of Public Works, including wash and maintenance bays for vehicles and equipment and new office space for employees, will be considered by residents at annual Town Meeting on May 1.

Acting on a recommendation from the DPW Building Committee for a building option with two storage bays, the Select Board Wednesday voted 4-0 to bring the project, with an estimated price tag of between $12 million and $13 million, to Town Meeting, though officials are waiting on a precise cost estimate from Helene-Karl Architects of Groton.

To move forward with the building that would rise at the current DPW headquarters site on Middle Street, south of Bay Road, the project must be approved at both Town Meeting and a subsequent Proposition 2½ tax-cap override at town election on May 20.

The scaled-back project, down from 23,000 square feet, has a much lower cost than the $19.65 million preferred plan previously discussed. These savings were achieved by removing an entire wing that would have been used to store and keep vehicles and equipment out of the elements. But the plans would allow the town to put on this addition in the future.

Jim Maksimoski, who chairs the committee, said the building is plain and not exorbitant, with $13 million in hard costs to get the most necessary aspects, including the wash and maintenance bays, offices, restrooms and locker rooms and two bays for storage.

“We would love to go with a $19.65 million building, because that includes everything that the DPW could need for the next number of years, however reality says that probably wouldn’t pass,” Maksimoski said.

Select Board Chairwoman Molly Keegan, following the motion proposed by board member Jane Nevnismith, said the project is sufficient.

“The major boxes are being checked,” Keegan said.

One of the concerns at the current building is washing trucks outside, with the belief it’s only a matter of time before the Department of Environmental Protection may force a change to this practice through issuing fines.

“Really doing nothing may not be an option,” Maksimoski said.

The current building also has just one restroom for the entire staff and may run afoul of other state regulations, though the existing facility meets all safety standards and doesn’t pose any dangers to workers.

The costs include a new salt shed, as well.

DPW Director Scott McCarthy said he would be appreciative if voters support the project, understanding that it will be a major commitment for taxpayers, and is a step in the right direction.

“I think something is better than nothing,” McCarthy said,

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