Town accepts $4,000 in donations as library construction progresses

The Town of Middletown council voted to accept $4,000 in donations for the Webster Library construction project, allocating $3,000 from the John Clark Trust to the children’s learning and play area and $1,000 for general project purposes. Finance staff said the funds will be expended in accordance with donor intent and town purchasing policies.

"I'm pleased to bring forward, 4,000 of contributions and donations for the library construction project," said Mark, the finance director, describing the committee's recommendation to accept the gifts. Town staff reported that most interior framing is complete, fiber-optic cabling has been pulled across the road into the building connection, sprinkler work and electrical rough‑in are underway, trenches have been filled and furniture bids opened July 29 have returned favorable prices. Officials said the construction remains on schedule and within the basis-of-design budget, and that grant funding and donations have increased available funds without raising town allocations.

Councilors flagged priorities for donor-funded enhancements and emphasized applying large contributions to items that expand services, not only aesthetic upgrades. Town staff said rooftop‑unit replacement previously included in the CIP will be removed because donor funds now cover it and that the project team is revisiting the front entrance design and extra sound mitigation. The council approved the resolution accepting the donations by voice vote.

The council expects furniture approvals or related contract actions to return to an upcoming meeting, and staff said they will continue coordinating moving plans with the school superintendent as the new school schedule approaches.