Council refers three school‑roof appropriations — $13.1 million total — to finance committee amid MSBA eligibility note

The Holyoke City Council on Dec. 16 voted to refer three separate appropriation orders for major roof replacements at city schools to the finance committee.

Councilor Devine filed the orders requesting $636,812 in additional funds for Elmer J. McMahon Elementary School, $5,753,426 for Maurice A. Donahue Elementary School and $6,739,962 for Claire Sullivan Middle School. The projects would remove existing roofing and install PVC membrane over roughly 35,000, 43,000 and 50,000 square feet respectively; the Elmer J. McMahon appropriation is described as an addition to an earlier $4,498,497 appropriation. The items note potential eligibility for Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) grant funding and authorize the treasurer, with the mayor’s approval, to borrow the amounts if necessary.

At public comment, Sean Sheedy of the school department said recent bids came in well under estimates, producing bid savings for the city. “Coyo Kai came in way under budget from the bidding,” Sheedy said, praising the savings and thanking the city‑school partnership.

Councilors did not debate the technical scope at length in full council; the motion was to refer the three orders to the finance committee for further review of funding, timing and any grant coordination. The package included a late‑filed signage item that was given leave to withdraw.

If the finance committee approves the appropriations, the orders direct that the amounts be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia and authorize the treasurer, with mayoral approval, to borrow funds to meet the appropriations. The council packet notes that MSBA is a discretionary, non‑entitlement grant program and that final grant awards would be determined by MSBA.