With three large projects expected to be on the 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan, the Legislative Council discussed how to make the projects palatable to voters and whether costs should be cut to soften the blow.

The three large projects are HVAC projects at both C.H. Booth Library and the community center, and the roof of Newtown High School, all of which are estimated to cost more than the $1.5 million threshold that requires them to go to referendum for a decision by voters. Additionally, there is a renovation and asbestos abatement of the duplexes in the Fairfield Hills campus that is largely being paid for by grants, but still estimated at approximately $450,000.

“Can we afford all three?” asked Councilman Ben Ruben.

Finance Director Glenys Salas said the projects were not an issue with debt ratio and service, that the other year one costs kept the projects well within the normal projected limits of new debt for the town that it incurs each year except for a once every five years debt vacation (the town is currently in a debt vacation year for fiscal year 2024-25). She said she was hopeful that the town could consider all three projects and still keep next year’s budget spending increase around four percent.

However, Salas said she would advise to get the projects “as low as possible” cost-wise before going before voters, and to take “cost saving opportunities seriously.”

Councilmen Ruben and Chris Gardner both advocated for not cutting the projects too deeply. Gardner described the library as a “crown jewel of the town,” and felt that cutting costs now that may force increased costs later would be “penalizing” to the building, to the library trustees, and to the residents of the town.

“We’ve spent a significant amount of money on this building over the decades, that’s why it looks as good as it does,” said Gardner. “We’ve kicked the can down the road and costs have escalated, now we have to pay the piper.”

Ruben said he was “willing to roll the dice” and see what the taxpayers want to do.

“If they reject it, then we come back and slash and burn,” said Ruben.

Councilman Jill Soderholm disagreed, saying she would “like to find a number that is acceptable to all parties instead of just the largest amount.”

There was discussion regarding the library HVAC. The only bid that was received was $4.5 million to have the project done properly. It was suggested in the email that town officials are trying to cut costs on the project by eliminating important work that needs to be done and are coaching the potential bidder to come in with a very low bid. Salas clarified that town officials are not trying to cut costs on this project. There’s no pressure being put on the developer. They are simply trying to understand what the options are in terms of this project and all of those options are routed through the Public Building and Site Committee for authorization.

Ross Carley, Fairfield Hills Authority chair, explained that in their CIP plan for 2026 they are focusing on renovations and securing the buildings at Fairfield Hills. With no dedicated budget, they rely heavily on grants and external funding. Recently, they were awarded a grant of $610,000 to support these efforts. Initially, $515,000 was proposed for this initiative and that was reduced to $250,000. They are seeking an additional $200,000 to address critical remediation needs.

These include the removal of lead paint from walls, floors, windows, and frames, as well as essential interior renovations to make the buildings safe and appealing for potential tenants and investors. Each building currently requires an estimated $1 million for full renovation, and they are actively working to reduce these costs to make the properties more attractive to small businesses. By doing so, they aim to encourage investment that will generate future tax revenue and support the town’s long-term goals.

Gardner said the town should be looking at the long-term picture.

“We really need more taxable properties,” said Gardner. “If we put a bit more money in now, we’ll get more people interested and get these on the tax rolls.”

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.