The Board of Finance at its October 13 meeting heard presentations from both the Board of Selectmen for its municipal 2027-36 Capital Improvement Plan and from the Board of Education with the school's 2027-36 Capital Improvement Plan.

The BOE, including Superintendent of Schools Anne Uberti, BOE Chairman Alison Plante, and Facilities Directory Charles Barlow, presented the school's plan, which showed $3.15 million in new spending for 2027-28.

The spending is mainly comprised of $2 million for planning and design of a new middle school; $410,000 for stadium lighting, drainage, and tennis courts at Newtown High School; $210,000 to replace exterior doors at the high school; and $250,000 for window replacements at the high school.

With an estimated $133 million price tag, the school's capital plan shows $33.25 million in new spending for a new middle school spread across four years, in 2029, 2030, 2031, and 2032.

Barlow also discussed $277,000 in new spending in 2028 for a radio system refresh, replacing 85 handsets that are no longer produced or have available parts, and replacing infrastructure at every school plus the Emergency Operations Center, including repeaters, antenna, cabling, and network connections.

In 2029, the schools plan $39.4 million in spending for the middle school, an American Disabilities Act (ADA) study, security software, drainage at Hawley, the driveway at Middle Gate, and a roof at Reed.

In 2030, the only spending is $33.25 million on the middle school.

In 2031, the schools plan $36.29 million in spending on the middle school, and high school interior renovations.

In 2032, the schools are planning on $35.79 million in spending on the middle school, ADA improvements at Hawley, and HVAC projects at Middle Gate and Reed.

In 2033, the schools are planning $3.4 million in spending on high school electronic systems.

In 2034, the schools are planning on $3.55 million for district security camera hardware, Reed chillers/controls, and Middle Gate interior renovations.

In 2035, no projects are planned.

In 2036, the schools plan $2.2 million in spending on windows at Head O' Meadow and Middle Gate.

In 2037, no projects are planned.

In 2027-28, the town is planning $13.5 million in capital spending.

Finance Director Glenys Salas noted during her presentation that the goal for the first selectman's half of the capital improvement plan is debt moderation, no new bonded debt in fiscal years 2030 and 2035; fleet modernization, capital lease financing to replace aging vehicles; level funding, stable and predictable impact for taxpayers; and asset stewardship, essential repairs across community and recreational facilities.

The 2027-28 plan for $13,575,598 includes the following, paid for from six different sources:

Capital Financing ($2,390,000): replacement of fire apparatus, $1,430,000; and three public works trucks, $960,000.

Capital & Non-Recurring Fund ($105,000): Town match of grants, $60,000; and Land Use sidewalk program, $45,000.

General Fund ($2,286,000): Safe Streets 4 All planning and demonstration grant project, $46,000; and capital road program, $2,240,000.

Grants ($1,194,000): Safe Streets 4 All planning and demonstration grant project, $184,000; and capital road program, $1,010,000.

Special Revenue Bonds ($980,000): Newtown Community Center multipurpose room upgrades, $130,000; Parks & Recreation Treadwell Artificial Turf and scoreboard replacement, $850,000.

Bonding ($6,620,596): Edmond Town Hall electrical upgrades, $1,750,000; Emergency Management Center building upgrades, $270,000; Fairfield Hills, building remediation and demolition, $300,000; Land Use open space preservation, $200,000; library exterior upgrades, $587,000; Newtown Community Center new HVAC system, $1,225,000; Parks & Recreation, Treadwell Park lighting, $350,000; Public Works, animal control renovation, $348,000; Public Works generator, $300,000; Public Works window restoration, $250,000; and Public Works bridge restoration, $1,000,000.

Changes to the current version of the 2027-28 plan from last year's include: Reductions: Fairfield Hills demolition reduced to remediation of remaining buildings, $2.2 million; NCC exterior shade structure moved to FY29, $270,000; Rail Trail pushed to FY33, $1,400,000; Treadwell playground pushed to FY29, $500,000; Fairfield Hills Trail pushed to FY32, $485,000; and Regional Training Facility pushed to FY29, $425,000.

Additions: Preliminary engineering for sidewalk program, $45,000; supplemental funding for Community Center HVAC, $1,225,000; Treadwell Lighting & Artificial Turf, $1,200,000; SS4A grant accounted for, $230,000; window restoration, $250,000; new grapple truck for DPW, $270,000; other project cost increases to $332,500; and WSA subsidy for capital, $40,596.

The BOF was expected to discuss the CIP further at its Thursday, October 22, meeting. It may meet with one or more town or school department heads if board members feel it is necessary at that meeting. The BOF was also planning to consider discussions at its November 9 meeting and make its final decision. It may schedule an additional meeting if it thinks it needs more time for discussions.

The BOF has until November 9 to review and make changes. The Legislative Council will be presented the combined CIPs by the Board of Finance on November 18, and will have until January 20 to approve a final plan.

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