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Penfield Forward: staff present multi‑facility cost estimates and urge outreach before possible bond vote
Summary
Town staff and consultants presented 2028‑escalated cost estimates for a new recreation facility, full library renovation and town hall renovations, discussed bonding options and timelines, and recommended expanded public outreach ahead of a possible bond proposition to appear on the November ballot (ballot language must be submitted by Aug. 3).
Town planning and finance staff, together with consultants from Tomorrow's Town Spaces and Plan Architecture, presented the Penfield Forward package of facility options on July 22, including a new recreation building, a full renovation of the library and interior renovations/additions at Town Hall. Staff said the estimates are planning‑level 2028 construction costs with an escalation assumption and include design, construction management and FF&E.
Staff discussed bonding strategies — new construction eligible for a 25‑year bond while renovation projects generally would be bonded for 15 years — and walked the board through example homeowner impacts using the town’s current average assessed value (staff cited an average assessed value of $282,000 and presented illustrative annual tax‑impact figures). Staff recommended more intensive public engagement (surveys, FAQs, pop‑up events and outreach through recreation/library lists) before asking the board to finalize ballot language. The board agreed to consider a special legislative meeting the following week to finalize language if they decide to pursue a November proposition; staff noted the Board of Elections deadline to submit ballot language is August 3.
