SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Transitional Regional School Committee unanimously approved bringing forward a revised school project plan to Southwick voters this May.
The revised project, combined with less capital spending and more reimbursements, would cost the average taxpayer $245 per year, versus the original price tag of $395 per year for the average property owner.
The approved version of the project has a total cost of $69.1 million, which is $3 million less than the original plan. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) would reimburse the town 60 percent of the cost. The project includes $40.8 million for work at the combined middle/high school, $9.8 million for Woodland Elementary School, and $18.5 million for Powder Mill Middle School.
Superintendent Dr. John Barry said after the original project was voted down in Southwick in January, he has been working with the MSBA to find a way to present a project more agreeable to voters. Many “no” voters said the almost $400 average tax increase that came with the project was simply too much to bear.
In order to bring that amount down, Barry said a few minor projects, including paving the emergency access road between the high school and Powder Mill, were nixed. In addition, capital requests would be decreased. Instead of the $600,000 the school department asks for annually, it would request $350,000 during the life of the bond.
“The town would also forego its capital borrowing,” said Barry.
The MSBA has also promised to help lower the cost to the taxpayers by offering an additional $800,000 in reimbursements if the town passes the ballot May 8.
“If the voters are willing to keep an open mind and approve the ballot, the MSBA said it would look favorably on increasing its reimbursement,” said Barry.
Only Southwick would vote on the project. Barry said the school’s legal counsel advised that since Tolland and Granville approved the original project, they do not have to vote again on this version because it has a lower cost.
“Because Southwick Town Meeting also approved it, this does not have to go back to Town Meeting,” Barry said.
The addition/renovation at the combined middle and high school includes updating and renovating all existing space and adding science and general purpose classrooms for the high school and middle school. Woodland work includes updating code requirements, building systems, building interiors and finishes. At Powder Mill, repairs and upgrades are planned for the building systems, envelope, interior and code requirements.
The School Committee will meet with the Southwick Select Board tonight at 7 p.m. to further discuss the ballot question.
