GUILFORD – Being guaranteed no increase in taxes was the big reason voters approved the Guilford Town Hall and Highway Garage project Tuesday, Building Committee members speculate.

Town residents said “yes,” 298-200, to a third version of the building proposition after defeating two higher-priced proposals 247-105 in April 2006 and 364-280 in November 2006.

The proposal calls for a new 4,000 square foot town hall and 11,700 square foot highway garage at a cost that won’t exceed $1.65 million or require a raise in taxes.

“Bringing the price down to a lesser amount – that’s what made the difference,” said Building Committee member and Guilford Town Councilman Bruce Winsor. “No new taxes – that’s what the taxpayers wanted, and we’re all just very pleased it finally went through.”

The new facilities will replace the decrepit 6,495 square foot building on 125 Marble Road that currently houses the town’s office, court and highway department. Problems there include a lack of space for records and public meetings, a rotting roof, no potable water, an outdated sewer system, crumbling walls, and dilapidated floors and ceilings.

“The building committee has put in a hell of a lot of work on this project for years. Their efforts have finally come to fruition,” said Guilford Supervisor Alton Doyle Tuesday night. “We’re so happy we can move ahead and be able to have a building that will protect our highway equipment and provide a safe environment for our citizens and town employees.”