ALFORD — Local voters will soon be asked to approve the use of up to $2 million in borrowed state funds, mostly to bring the town’s historic buildings into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Nov. 19 special town meeting order raises the issue of obtaining the money through State House Notes, a low-cost alternative to debt issuance for cities, towns, counties and counties. Most of the money will go to renovating city buildings with ramps, walkways and widening gates. Some of the funds will also go to other capital projects.

The town has several capital needs, according to treasurer/tax collector Roxanne Germain, who is also secretary of the Board of Elections.

“We asked the townspeople for permission to borrow $2 million instead of giving them individual loans,” he said.

The resolution also includes two items related to affordable housing, which was the main inspiration for holding the meeting, according to Select Board member Peter Puciloski.

Voters are asked to amend the zoning ordinance to adopt the state’s definition of accessory dwellings and allow these units to be up to 80 percent of gross living area or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller.

Puciloski said there is currently no affordable housing in the town. He said since there is no grocery store, public water or sewer system, the state does not meet the criteria for addition other than alternative housing units, which is why this vote is so important.

As for the list of city buildings requiring funding to meet ADA compliance, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission helped identify the projects.

“We have a report and it tells us about all the buildings we have and what needs to be done,” Germain said. he said. “Here are some of them.”

Here is the list of projects that would be funded with $2 million if voters approve:

• An ADA-compliant ramp at the Municipal Offices, a new parking area and walkway leading to it, a button for the access door, flattening the threshold and widening a door to the bathroom. The exterior granite stairs leading to the main door will also be replaced. This project was designed by EDM Engineering at a cost of approximately $30,000. In June, the town applied for a grant through the Massachusetts Office of Disability to pay for $250,000 in construction costs and is waiting to hear back. Ramp and exterior improvements are estimated at $500,000, and interior work is estimated at $100,000.

• Bathrooms at City Hall across the street will also need to be expanded to meet ADA requirements, and an exterior ramp will be added as well as a parking area. This is estimated to cost $250,000.

• The roof of the Highway Garage, built in the 1990s, is nearing the end of its life. The cost of the new roof is estimated at $100,000.

• The rear of the fire station will receive a 20 x 30 square meter renovation for equipment storage. This will allow the station to be used for public meetings without the need to move the apparatus outside the station. In addition, the station’s bathrooms will be updated to meet ADA standards, as well as eliminating steps and flared doors. Construction is estimated at $250,000.

• The town purchased the house at 9 Alford Road about five years ago to become part of the Historical Commission and in part to connect City Hall to the septic system. The house has since been demolished. The building will be used as city offices for the Preservation Commission, Planning Board and building inspector. It will also house a fireproof safe for town records. Construction is estimated to cost around $500,000.

• Engineering, design and upgrade costs for all projects are estimated at $300,000.

Voters will be asked to approve, among other items:

• Spending $15,000 in free cash to put a new roof on the City Hall dome built in the 1800s;

• Spending $20,000 in free cash on evaluation software for evaluators;

• Spending $1,500 in free cash to pay the town assistant treasurer/collector;

• Spending $20,000 in free cash to cover audit costs. The town’s last audit was in 2020, and this request included allowing the town to borrow State Council Notes for capital items;

• Establishing a $2,000 minimum for business owners and second homeowners subject to paying personal property taxes.

The town meeting will be held on November 19 at 6:30pm at the firehouse at 86 North Egremont Road.