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Litchfield board approves expanded pre‑bond work with Harriman as GMS cost projections rise
Summary
The board approved an amended agreement with architect/engineer Harriman to continue pre-bond and post-bond work for the Griffin Memorial School project after discussion about rising construction estimates and the need to compare renovation vs. new-build costs.
The Litchfield School Board voted 3‑0 to approve an amended contract with Harriman that expands pre‑bond and post‑bond services as updated construction estimates for the Griffin Memorial School (GMS) project increased.
Administration explained the amended scope ties designer fees to a revised construction estimate (the firm’s fee was presented as calculated against a roughly $29.15 million construction figure in the amendment, not including soft costs). Board members raised concern about the project number climbing into the “30‑millions” range compared with earlier planning that hoped for a lower figure.
Board discussion focused on two practical questions: whether the district should continue on the renovation path the Facilities Improvement Committee and consultants recommended, or re‑examine new‑build options, and how rising costs affect timing and voter outreach. Multiple board members asked administration to obtain comparative, high‑level cost estimates for a straightforward new‑build box as a point of comparison before the next public outreach step.
Despite lingering questions about overall scale and cost, the board concluded it needed to keep the design work moving. A motion to approve the amended Harriman contract passed 3‑0. Administrators said the approved amendment covers additional pre‑bond tasks needed to get to a bond vote and that a public hearing and more detailed funding steps will be scheduled at the next meeting.
The board authorized administrators to proceed with the amended scope and to publish a public hearing notice related to funding increases; specific dollar amounts for the amendment and the next public hearing were to be confirmed and published with the agenda.
