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Southampton County unveils CIP with $62M middle-school replacement, multimillion-dollar HVAC and well projects
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Summary
County staff presented a capital improvement plan that includes a $62 million secondary-school replacement for Southampton Middle School, a $6 million HVAC overhaul across schools, stadium/gym repairs and a $3.86 million well-construction item tied to the Turner Tract industrial project.
County staff delivered a detailed capital improvement plan (CIP) to supervisors on April 15 outlining major facility and infrastructure projects for FY2027–FY2031 and beyond.
Lynette Lowe, who reviewed the CIP, told the Board the plan lists a secondary school replacement for Southampton Middle School estimated at $62,000,000 and school-building repairs such as a $750,000 replacement of the high-school gym and stadium bleachers. Lowe also flagged a combined building-envelope repair estimate of about $2,300,000 for Southampton Middle and Capron Elementary.
Lowe described earlier bids and procurement challenges on courthouse projects — multiple no-bid rounds for the records-room HVAC led staff to seek vendors on state contract — and said some FY26 projects may need to roll to FY27 if not completed before June 30. She noted vendor lead times and market pressures (for example, HVAC firms prioritizing data-center work) have pushed some estimates upward.
The CIP also includes an estimate of roughly $6,000,000 to overhaul HVAC systems across school sites (rooftop units, air handlers, classroom components and controls), IT and phone-system upgrades in the administrative building that require new wiring for voice-over-IP implementation, and a library-floor replacement estimated near $70,000.
On county infrastructure, Lowe recapped community-development plans including a Newsom’s Phase 2 drainage planning grant application (a potential $30,000 planning grant through CDBG), public-works equipment needs (a knuckle boom truck and new refuse containers), and radio/public-safety system work funded with previously authorized bond money. She also reminded the board of two well projects and a $3,860,000 well-construction line tied to the Turner Tract industrial park discussed at a prior meeting.
Lowe said the county is budgeting for potential vehicle purchases for inspectors and sheriff’s deputies and noted recent gubernatorial restrictions on how citation money may be used beginning July 1 (she said she would consult the county attorney). She recommended staff work with the county’s financial counsel to layer major projects into the debt-service schedule; the staff showed the debt-service profile dropping significantly after three major loans mature in 2027–2031.
What happens next: the board and staff will continue to refine priorities and timing, determine which FY26 funds should be rolled forward to FY27 for projects not yet complete and coordinate public hearings as needed when projects require voter or budget approvals.
