Board recommends $388,000 supplemental for Simsbury Performing Arts Center; item to BOF and referendum after 4—6 vote

Town officials told the Board of Selectmen that several unanticipated costs have increased the price of the Simsbury Performing Arts Center bandshell expansion and recommended an additional appropriation of $388,000 to replenish contingency and meet code-required fire protection.

Tom Roy, speaking for town staff, said the project encountered unsuitable soils behind the existing building, additional utility relocation work, and a change in fire-protection requirements after the town—s fire marshal reviewed the design. "When this went to our fire marshal for review, his interpretation of the code is very clear, and he expected either complete fire separation between the new structure and the old or fire sprinklers," Roy said. Town staff recommended installing sprinklers, which staff and the performing-arts proponents argued is the safer long-term choice. Roy added the original bid contingency was nearly exhausted after addressing these issues.

Why it matters: the board—s recommendation replenishes contingency and authorizes work needed for public safety and occupancy. The project has multiple funding partners: a state grant, prior town appropriations and private fundraising by the S imsbury Performing Arts Center (PAC). Town staff said discussions with PAC leadership about additional fundraising or contribution are ongoing but that the board needs to take the appropriation recommendation to the Board of Finance to preserve the project schedule.

Board debate and vote: several selectmen raised concerns about timing, the adequacy of the backup detail and the public—s opportunity to weigh in; one selectman moved to table the recommendation until the board—s next meeting, but that motion failed. The board then voted 4—6 to forward the $388,000 recommendation to the Board of Finance; two members voted no and explained they wanted more public input and clarity on funding sources before endorsing the supplemental.

Next steps: The Board of Finance will hold a public hearing on the supplemental appropriation; if BOF approves, the appropriation will be placed on a public referendum (staff indicated a likely January referendum date) so voters can approve the change. Town staff said the construction schedule is tight and that delaying further risks additional cost escalation and jeopardizing a June 2026 completion target.

Sources: Presentation and remarks by Tom Roy and Town Manager Mark at the Nov. 7, 2025 Board of Selectmen meeting.