TUPPER LAKE — On Wednesday the village cut the ribbon on a new garage for its electric and public works departments. This replaces the current garage, which was built in 1967 and has lasted 30 years past its life expectancy.

The extra years are showing. On the outside, rust and a sagging roof overhang pose a threat of collapsing. On the inside, lighting is dim, and a breeze can be felt in the winter, according to electric department Superintendent Mike Dominie.

The new building was build right behind the old one on McLaughlin Avenue.

The project was estimated to cost around $3 million, and Dominie said the current amount spent is just under that figure. He said there are still a few small additions to make before the building is completely finished.

“It’s definitely nicer; that’s for sure,” Dominie said. “Everything’s modern.”

Village Mayor Paul Maroun said the project was not funded through taxes, but by the money the department collects from the sale of electricity.

Maroun said the rate increase approved by the village board and state power authority in 2014 included the cost of the new building. This rate change increased the residential electric rate by 22.6% for the first 1,500 kilowatt hours of usage, adding a 5.6% ($223,129), revenue increase to the municipal electric department, bringing the total annual revenue up to $4,235,118.

Maroun said the rate will stay as it is, as the department will be paying off the bond it used for the project for several years.

The new building is insulated with propane heat. It has six garage bay doors for the departments’ vehicles, with exits on either side so trucks can drive right through.

The structure is 13,000 square feet, compared to the current building’s 9,000 square feet, which Dominie said is good because the department’s trucks are larger now than in the past. It also allows separate bays for the DPW trucks and a space for the mechanic who services all the vehicles.

Maroun said three generations of electric department supervisors were present to see the ribbon cut, as was state Assemblyman Billy Jones.

“Let’s hope this lasts 53 years like the last one,” Maroun said.

Dominie said the departments haven’t moved in yet but will shortly, after tying up a couple of loose ends on the ceiling and floor.

Dominie said the project took a little longer than expected due to an excavation issue at the beginning and COVID-19 slowing progress toward the end. He is glad it is done before winter.

“It gets cold,” he said.

Former electric superintendent Marc Staves has previously said that every time there was a heavy snowfall, he wondered in the back of his mind if “today is the day” the roof caves in.

Dominie said he hopes to put the former property out for people to bid on and turn it into something new. He said if no one buys it, the village will likely contract with someone to demolish the garage.