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Scotland approves up to $16.9 million bond for bridges, Public Safety and Town Hall work
Summary
At a special town meeting Oct. 7, Scotland voters authorized up to $16.9 million in bonds to fund four bridges, repairs at the Public Safety Complex and Town Hall renovations; the measure passed 34–2 after discussion of costs and reimbursement timing.
Scotland residents at a Special Town Meeting on Oct. 7 approved a bond authorization of up to $16.9 million to fund the design, acquisition and repair of four bridges and to finance renovations at the Public Safety Complex and Town Hall. The motion, made by Charleen Perry and seconded by Jennifer Nelson, passed by voice vote with 34 yes and 2 no votes.
Treasurer David Zito presented a PowerPoint overview of how the funds would be allocated and how the town expects to pay the costs up front and seek state grant reimbursement. Zito said bridge work is expected to be reimbursed and that the Public Safety Building allocation is “around $235,000,” while Town Hall renovation estimates have increased from a prior $1.8 million to an estimated $3.6 million; he warned that “if it comes in over the 3.6 million that we estimated, then yes, the town would be responsible for paying the overage.”
First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr. and Selectman Mike Gurnack described planned work. Gurnack said the State Transportation and Environmental Enhancement Program (STEEP) grant funds would pay for items at the Public Safety Complex including a garage, OSHA compliance work, exterior doors, HVAC, furnace, hot water heater, signage and storage; proposed uses also include an automatic transfer generator and oil‑tank removal. Town Hall upgrades described for the proposed project include ADA accessibility (a power lift), improved meeting privacy, insulation, upgraded heating and cooling, relocating town offices and addressing encroachment on state land.
Residents pressed officials about potential cost overruns, reimbursement levels and project specifics. Mary Pietrowski asked whether the town would be responsible if costs exceed the $16.9 million authorization; Zito reiterated the potential town liability for Town Hall overages. Charles Lasch questioned why the Town Hall estimate rose so sharply from earlier figures; Selectmen said plans could be revised and brought back to a future town meeting if needed.
Zito noted that Kemp Road bridge work remains subject to a prior 50/50 cost‑sharing agreement. He said he would confirm final reimbursement percentages for each project with state partners.
The authorization allows the town to proceed with contracts and borrowing up to the stated cap; final contract awards and precise reimbursement terms were not specified at the meeting.
