SOUTHWICK – Several members of a parent group advocating for support for the proposed school project asked the Board of Selectmen last night if they would be voting “yes” on the article at the Jan. 10 Special Town Meeting.
“What is your opinion about the potential renovation project to the schools?” asked parent James Doyle.
Board Chairman Fred Arnold and Selectman Russ Fox agreed there is a need for the project. Selectman Arthur Pinnel was absent last night.
“We have to do something,” said Fox. “We have aging buildings.”
Arnold said he plans to support the Special Town Meeting article that would authorize the town to borrow just under $72 million for renovations at the high school, Powder Mill Middle School, and Woodland Elementary School.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has approved the project and allowed a special incentive of $19 million in savings to renovate all three buildings now that Granville has joined Southwick and Tolland in the regional school district. The MSBA is set to reimburse the towns at least 66 percent of eligible costs at the high school, 55 percent at Woodland, and 55 percent at Powder Mill.
The 25-year debt exclusion is estimated to cost the average Southwick homeowner an additional $400 in taxes per year. Arnold said he understands it will be a hardship for some residents.
“I encourage everyone to vote the way they feel,” said Arnold. “However, whether it’s approved or not, the problem is not going to go away and we’re going to have to spend money to fix the problems. I think this (offer from the MSBA) is the best value for the money.”
Fox agreed and said “we have a heck of an offer on the table.”
Six years ago the town was asked to borrow $5 million for renovations at the schools but voters did not approve the article.
“If we had done that back then we wouldn’t be facing the issues we have today,” said Arnold.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said some voters did not approve that article because the MSBA placed a moratorium on projects and residents were not confident they would be reimbursed.
“And some people felt the project didn’t address enough,” Stinehart said.
Doyle said that was his feeling as well. However, he said the project before voters now addresses all the issues.
Fox called the MSBA’s offer to fund a three-building project a “unique opportunity.”
All boards, including the Southwick Finance Committee, approved the warrant article.
