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Masconomet hears $40M–$80M HVAC electrification study; committee authorizes $1.74M for schematic design and MSBA application
Summary
Consultant presented four HVAC options (in-kind replacement to geothermal) with lifecycle and incentive analysis; the committee authorized $1,738,652 to pay feasibility study and schematic-design costs and to notify towns under MGL ch.71 §16D as part of MSBA application steps.
Consultant Jess Barber of CMTA Engineering summarized a five-month feasibility study evaluating four HVAC approaches for the Masconomet middle and high school complex: an in-kind fossil-fuel replacement (option 1), in-kind plus full air-conditioning (option 1A), air-source heat pumps (option 2) and a ground-source (geothermal) system (option 3). Barber said trade-cost estimates ranged roughly from about $40 million (option 1) to about $52 million (option 3), and after markups, contingencies and soft costs the total-project estimates in presentation ranged roughly from about $62 million to $80 million depending on option and incentives. Barber explained that air-source and ground-source heat pumps unlock MassSave rebates and possible federal direct-payment tax credits (presenter cited example incentive sums in the millions for large projects) but stressed incentive programs and caps can change and that accessing federal credits requires documentation and consultant support.
Barber recommended using the study to support an MSBA Accelerated Repair application and noted project phasing would likely require multiple summers of construction to avoid classroom disruption. Committee members asked about maintenance-cost detail, escalation assumptions and well-field siting for geothermal; Barber acknowledged a possible typo in one slide’s incentive math and said he would correct and circulate updated figures.
Following the presentation, the committee considered and approved a motion to appropriate $1,738,652 to pay feasibility-study and schematic-design costs related to a potential accelerated repair project involving roof replacement and conversion of the HVAC system to heat pumps at both schools; the appropriation was described in a motion that allocates $698,938 for Masconomet High School and $1,039,714 for Masconomet Middle School and cites MGL ch. 71 §16D as the borrowing authority. The motion passed on the record; the committee instructed the superintendent to notify the three member towns’ boards of selectmen within three days and proceed with MSBA application steps.
What happens next: The district will submit required forms to the MSBA, notify town officials and, if invited to proceed, towns will hold town-meeting votes and ballot overrides as required by statute to approve borrowing. Updated cost and incentive figures will be circulated if Barber confirms the slide typo corrections.
Why it matters: The study frames a potential multi-decade, multimillion-dollar capital decision with climate, operational- and budgetary implications. The committee’s appropriation authorizes the next design step and triggers statutory town-level notifications required for borrowing and MSBA collaboration.
