Madison boards vote to send $8.1M supplemental appropriation for Academy renovation to voters

The Town of Madison voted to send a referendum to voters asking to approve a supplemental $8.1 million appropriation that would raise the total budget to $24 million to renovate The Academy school into a community center and municipal building.

Board member Katie moved the recommendation and the motion passed on a 4–3 roll-call vote. The measure seeks to amend the 2022 referendum authorization that set the original appropriation and bond authorization at $15.9 million after recent contractor bids came in higher than earlier estimates.

Why it matters: The board and staff said the updated $24 million figure is based on actual bids and work needed to address deterioration found since the original plan, and that failure to secure voter approval could leave the town with limited options, including costly demolition or other uses that still would require significant investment. Opponents warned the higher price, added bonding and competing capital priorities could squeeze operating budgets and other planned projects.

Board debate: Board member John said he opposed the referral, citing what he described as a steep rise in town cost exposure and concerns that additional increases would further strain the town’s single pool of capital dollars. Matt and another board member echoed worries about the timing amid other large bond plans, including school projects and planned work on the Surf Club. Supporters including Jude and Katie argued the original referendum authorized a public decision about using bond proceeds and that the community should again weigh in now that updated bids and a public presentation are available.

Staff justification and conditions: Staff and board representatives said the supplemental appropriation is explicitly written so town general funds would not be used to finance the $8.1 million except to facilitate reimbursements tied to an approved grant agreement; the supplemental appropriation may include federal, state or private grant funds received since the February 2022 authorization. Staff also said public presentations and a visual walk-through will be held starting next week so voters can see the planned scope.

Public comment: Jim Schmalz, a resident, urged caution and highlighted missing contingencies and potential abatement, lighting and insulation costs. "It's not a $24 million project — it's an open check to continue if this gets approved," he said, warning that the town could face continuing expenses that affect school and other budgets.

Vote and next steps: The board approved recommending the supplemental appropriation to a referendum by a 4–3 vote. The next public presentation of the project design is scheduled to begin next week; the town will place the question to voters per the motion passed at the special session.

Votes at a glance: Motion — "Recommend a supplemental appropriation of $8,100,000 to increase the total appropriation for The Academy renovation to $24,000,000 and authorize placement on a public referendum." Mover: Katie. Second: not specified in the transcript. Recorded outcome: approved, yes 4, no 3.

What remains unclear: The transcript does not consistently map every roll-call yes/no to named members; the precise identity of one "yes" voice called during roll call was not labeled in the record. Staff said deed restrictions and historic-preservation constraints would be reviewed if demolition or alternative actions are considered after a referendum result.

Context: The Academy project originated from a community process beginning in 2018 and was approved by voters in a 2022 referendum with a $15.9 million authorization. The supplemental ask reflects updated bids, inflationary pressures and additional deterioration found since the building sat vacant.