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Town warns performing arts center project may need $125K–$380K more; staff may seek new referendum
Summary
Town staff told the Board of Selectmen on Oct. 15, 2025 that the North End performing arts center project faces rising costs — primarily fire-suppression requirements and rising material costs — and may require an additional $125,000 to $380,000 or a new referendum to cover the overrun.
Town staff on Oct. 15 informed the Simsbury Board of Selectmen that the performing arts center project in the North End faces potential cost overruns driven by recently identified fire-suppression requirements and rising construction costs. The town manager said the current estimate of additional costs ranges from about $125,000 to a high-end scenario near $380,000.
The project currently includes a $900,000 state grant and roughly $904,000 of private fundraising. Staff reported that the fire marshal's requirements will extend fire suppression across the structure and that the work could require both wet and dry systems because portions of the facility will be exposed to winter temperatures. That adds pipe, hydrant work and other costs. Town staff also flagged potential supply-chain issues for specialty steel needed for the stage and structural elements, which could affect the schedule and increase costs.
Town Manager Mark Scully said the staff recommendation was no immediate action that night but that the board should be aware of the situation because exceeding the referendum number would change the project dynamic and could require returning to voters for approval of a larger referendum amount. "We are now dangerously close to exceeding the referendum number," he said. Staff outlined options that include additional value engineering, alternative phasing, seeking donated funds or asking the board and board of finance to approve additional appropriation; if necessary, staff said they may recommend a special meeting or a referendum.
Board members asked staff to provide scenario options, funding sources and timelines. Staff said they are working with contractors and the fire marshal to refine the scope and will return to the board with recommended options in the coming week or two. The board and staff emphasized protecting the $900,000 in state grant funding and the project timeline to try to keep the venue open for the next season if possible.
No vote was taken; staff said they will present funding options and updated estimates once available.
