School Board allocates $1M for East Auburn HVAC and storage improvements

The City of Auburn, Maine, held a City Council Workshop and Meeting on April 22, 2025, focusing on the fiscal year 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and various funding allocations. The meeting began with a review of the five-year plan, highlighting the capital improvement projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

The first significant item discussed was the proposed $1 million allocation for school-related projects. Dr. Doris, representing the school department, outlined two key projects: an $800,000 ventilation upgrade at East Auburn School and a $200,000 storage building at Edward Little High School. The storage facility is intended to address the lack of space for essential equipment, such as snow removal tools, which has been a pressing issue since the high school's construction.

Councilor Walker inquired about the specifics of the storage building, to which Dr. Doris responded that it would likely measure 40 by 62 feet. The funding for these projects will be managed under the school department's budget, with the school’s debt service covering the costs once bonded.

Councilor Platt emphasized that the school’s current CIP requests are focused on urgent repairs rather than new developments, particularly referencing the HVAC upgrade at East Auburn as an immediate priority based on the Harriman facilities report.

Following the school discussion, the council moved on to the finance section regarding the ongoing property revaluation process. Kelsey, a city representative, explained that $500,000 is needed this year as part of a total $750,000 project cost, which will be split over two years. The revaluation process has already begun, and the city is working with a contractor that provided the lowest bid for the necessary services.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address further questions and concerns regarding the CIP and other city projects in future sessions. The council's focus remains on ensuring that critical infrastructure needs are met while managing the city's budget effectively.