Newington council sends $7.8 million Fire Station No. 4 appropriation to November referendum; multiple other votes approved

The Newington Town Council voted 8–0 on July 14 to place a $7.8 million appropriation for a new Fire Station No. 4 on the Nov. 3, 2026 referendum. The resolution authorizes the appropriation for construction of a replacement Station 4 at 84 5th Street and empowers the town to issue general obligation bonds or notes not to exceed $7.8 million, offset by any grants received. Councilors discussed need and timing before the roll-call vote.

Donald Brown, a resident of Stafford Avenue who spoke during the public hearing, urged the council to send the question to voters. “The current Station Number 4 was built in the 1950s and was in need of replacement 20 or more years ago,” Brown said, noting that modern engines do not fit in the existing bay and that the neighborhood has limited access during rush hour.

Deputy Mayor Rada read the resolution into the record and the council held a roll-call vote that produced a unanimous approval to (a) waive full reading and incorporate the resolution into the meeting minutes and (b) schedule the referendum for Nov. 3, 2026. Councilors framed the vote as a response to long-standing life-safety and operational limitations at the current station.

Votes at a glance (outcomes recorded in the meeting minutes): • Resolution authorizing appropriation of up to $7,800,000 for Fire Station No. 4 and scheduling a referendum for Nov. 3, 2026 — Motion carried, roll-call vote 8–0. • EMS contract with AMR (term 07/01/2026–06/30/2029) — Authorized (motion carried unanimously). Officials said the new agreement mirrors the expired contract except for updated dates and one address change. • Property tax refunds totaling $1,290.96 — Approved unanimously. • Minutes of the June 23, 2026 meeting (with councilor-proposed corrections) — Approved, 8–0. • Resignations accepted: Eric Hinkley from the Library Renovation/Public Building Committee; Jonathan Galligan from the Fair Rent Commission and Vehicle Appeals Board — Accepted unanimously.

The council emphasized that the referendum materials will include an explanatory statement and renderings on the town website; staff cautioned that official communications must remain neutral and avoid advocacy for or against the referendum. The town manager’s office said cost estimates and conceptual images will be posted online to help voters understand the proposal.

What’s next: The referendum question will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. If voters approve the appropriation, the town will pursue bonding and project steps contingent on grant deductibles and final design work.