Torrington officials approve $6.61M roof project, send $5.91M bond question to March 24 referendum

Torrington officials approved a $6,612,375 appropriation for a roof replacement at Torrington Middle (Torrington Intermediate) School and authorized submission of a bond question — up to $5,912,375 — to a referendum on March 24, 2026.

Mayor Molly Spino opened the Feb. 3 special joint meeting of the City Council, Board of Finance and Board of Education and presented a PowerPoint overview of the project and financing options. The Boards discussed the sources of local contribution, state reimbursement expectations and alternative cost‑saving options before voting.

Why it matters: The project is expected to receive approximately $4,745,796 in state reimbursement (about 75.36% of reimbursable expenditures), leaving an expected local share of roughly $1,866,579 after grants; the council and finance board’s decision to place the bond question on the ballot will let voters decide whether to authorize the city to issue the bonds needed to cover the appropriation.

The Board of Education originally listed a $575,066 contribution from account 0313; after account reconciliation BOE Finance Director Donna Labbé and Chairman Edward Corey said the available amount is $515,285.51 and the Board would also allocate $477,000 from its Capital Reserve for an essential chiller repair at Torringford School. Corey said the BOE is prioritizing the roof project while seeking to limit operational impacts and avoid staff reductions, noting use of non‑lapsing funds would carry operational tradeoffs.

Treasurer Dan Farley estimated the cost of bonding — including financial consultant and bond counsel fees — at about $30,000. Attorney Sandra Dawson of Pullman & Comley advised that voter approval is required to appropriate funds for this capital project unless it had been included in the current year’s budget; Town Clerk Carol L. Anderson said a recent standalone referendum drew roughly 5% turnout.

Dean Pergola, the Board of Education’s director of facilities, described payment under an A101 agreement: the contractor submits payment paperwork monthly to the engineer and the Board of Education for review; Pergola said he expects contractor invoices to be paid in about 30 days after approval and that state reimbursement typically occurs within 45–90 days.

Council action and ballot question: The Board of Finance voted 4–1 to adopt Resolution #143‑284 (Wendy Traub moved; Caitlin Hall seconded; Christopher Anderson opposed). The Board of Councilmen (City Council) accepted that recommendation and adopted Resolution #143‑285 on a 4–2 vote (motion by Councilor Armand Maniccia, seconded by Councilor Rachel Hannon‑Harrel; Councilors Anne Ruwet and David Oliver opposed). The resolution authorizes submitting this question to voters at a referendum on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The ballot question as printed in the resolution reads in part: ‘‘Shall the City of Torrington appropriate $6,612,375 for the Torrington Middle School (Torrington Intermediate School) Roof Replacement Project, and authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes in the amount not to exceed $5,912,375; provided the amount of such bonds and notes shall be reduced by grants received for the project (currently expected to be $4,745,796; leaving the City’s expected share to be $1,866,579)?’’

Scope and next steps: The resolution authorizes planning, design, construction and related costs and creates a Building Committee naming Dean Pergola to oversee the project. The Mayor and the Building Committee may reduce or modify the project scope if funds are insufficient. If voters approve the bond authorization, the city will issue bonds or notes in an amount not to exceed $5,912,375, subject to grants received; officials are authorized to determine sale terms and engage bond counsel and financial advisors.

The boards adjourned at 7:16 p.m. The referendum on the bond authorization is scheduled for March 24, 2026.