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Holyoke council approves bonding for three school roof replacements totaling about $26.1 million
Summary
The Holyoke City Council voted unanimously to authorize bond appropriations for new roofs at Kelly School, McMahon Elementary and Holyoke High School, noting the projects may be largely reimbursed by the state.
The Holyoke City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to authorize bond appropriations for roof replacements at three city schools, approving separate orders to fund work at Kelly School, McMahon Elementary School and Holyoke High School.
The council approved appropriations of $8,691,405 for Kelly School, $4,498,497 for McMahon Elementary School and $12,945,697 for Holyoke High School. The measures passed on separate roll-call votes; each measure recorded 11 yeas and 0 nays.
Councilors said the work is part of the city’s capital improvement plan and that the school department and city staff expect the projects to be eligible for substantial state reimbursement. Councilor Dordain, speaking for the finance committee, said staff signaled a strong chance the city would receive an 80% reimbursement for eligible costs, and noted the projects include ADA improvements at several schools.
The council heard from “Sean,” a city staff member who presented the scope and rationale at a finance committee meeting; councilors described the Peck Middle School experience as coming in under budget and said the bond authorizations are sized to ensure the city can proceed competitively while seeking reimbursement.
Councilor Gibner highlighted that Kelly School’s approved ADA funding was identified as about $2,200,000 and McMahon’s ADA-related work was identified in committee as about $804,088. Councilors also discussed a likely timetable and said work is planned for the 2026 construction season.
Each appropriation will allow the city to advance procurement and, if needed, seek competitive bids. The council repeatedly noted that actual expenditures could be lower than the appropriations if projects come in under budget.
Votes at a glance - Item 50 (Kelly School roof): Appropriation $8,691,405; motion adopted on roll call, 11 yeas, 0 nays; outcome: approved. - Item 51 (McMahon Elementary roof): Appropriation $4,498,497; motion adopted on roll call, 11 yeas, 0 nays; outcome: approved. - Item 52 (Holyoke High School roof): Appropriation $12,945,697; motion adopted on roll call, 11 yeas, 0 nays; outcome: approved.
The council’s action authorizes bonding for the projects; councilors said state reimbursement eligibility will be pursued before and during the procurement and construction process, and that final contract awards will follow normal competitive procurement procedures.
