Stafford Center posts record revenue; board approves $1.1M roof replacement and directs fixes to corroded light mounts

Stafford Center management told the Stafford Economic Development Corporation on Oct. 28 that the facility had its best financial year to date and outlined a near‑term capital maintenance need that prompted the board to approve a roof replacement and related repairs.

‘‘We did over $2,163,000 in revenue this year. That’s a $135,000 more,’’ the Stafford Center representative reported to the board and then reviewed a calendar of major upcoming performances and community events.

Management also described a roof system that is more than 20 years old and presented an estimated budget of $1,100,000 for a membrane roof replacement and associated work. During the same inspection staff identified serious corrosion at the base of several 20‑foot parking‑lot light poles; operations staff said bolts securing pole bases showed significant erosion and that the covers protecting the bases must be addressed to avoid structural failure in high winds. Management said some electrical and mounting repairs will be part of the scope.

Board members asked for photos and vendor proposals and were told management expects the final roof cost to be ‘‘significantly lower than the 1,100,000’’ currently budgeted; managers also said they believe the budgeted amount will cover ‘‘probably 90 percent’’ of the lighting and mounting fixes. Management described the roof solution as a long‑life membrane product with an industry warranty and said labor carries a one‑year defect guarantee.

After a public hearing with no speakers, the board moved, seconded and approved the roof‑replacement resolution. Directors praised Stafford Center management for operations and for rapidly identifying the lighting‑pole corrosion during routine inspections. The board asked staff to return with photos, vendor quotes and a final scope for the project.