Falmouth Weighs $65M Police Station Project

Preliminary estimates show potential tax impact of $135 to $225 per year for median homeowners.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:05am

A serene, photorealistic painting of a single-story police station building set against a backdrop of warm, golden sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic duty and community in a quiet, nostalgic style.The proposed new Falmouth police station aims to replace the town's aging and overcrowded facility, but at what cost to taxpayers?Teaticket Today

Falmouth's Police Station Advisory Committee has shared early cost estimates for a proposed new $65 million police station to be built on the former Cape Cod Drive-in site. The project would require a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion override, with annual debt service projected between $4 million and $6.5 million over 20-30 years. Officials say the new facility aims to meet modern policing needs and allow for long-term growth, replacing the current overcrowded and outdated station.

Why it matters

The proposed police station is a major capital project that would significantly impact Falmouth taxpayers. The town must weigh the benefits of a new state-of-the-art facility against the potential tax burden on residents, especially given the current economic climate.

The details

The $65 million project would be funded through a 20-30 year bond, with annual debt service estimated between $4-6.5 million. For the median $792,000 Falmouth home, this could translate to a tax increase of $135-225 per year. The new station would be built on the former Cape Cod Drive-in site, offering space for the police facility as well as potential recreational uses. The current station, dating to the 1970s, is described as overcrowded and no longer meeting operational needs.

  • The Police Station Advisory Committee has been working on the project for over a year.
  • An environmental study was completed in January 2026.
  • Voters approved $5.15 million in November 2025 for initial planning and permitting.
  • Officials hope to seek a debt exclusion override at town meeting this fall, followed by a ballot question.
  • If approved, construction could begin as soon as March 2027.

The players

Boyd DeMello

Chairman of the Police Station Advisory Committee.

Jeffrey Lourie

Falmouth Police Chief, who has described the current station as overcrowded and outdated.

Falmouth Police Station Advisory Committee

A committee formed over a year ago to work on plans for a new police station.

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What they’re saying

“So, here's the part everyone waits for is the tax impact range.”

— Boyd DeMello, Police Station Advisory Committee Chairman

“It's been the goal of this committee all along, and that of the police department and the town administration, to stay in the public forefront and let everyone know what's going on with this station. It's a big project. It's an important project.”

— Boyd DeMello, Police Station Advisory Committee Chairman

What’s next

Officials hope to get the project to the point where a debt exclusion override for construction funds may be sought at town meeting in the fall, followed by a ballot question.

The takeaway

This proposed police station project represents a significant investment for Falmouth taxpayers, and the town must carefully weigh the benefits of a new modern facility against the potential financial burden on residents. Ongoing public engagement will be crucial as the project progresses.