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Suffield commission plans early‑2027 referendum for middle‑school and firehouse projects
Summary
Consultants and the Permanent Building Commission agreed to target an early 2027 referendum to allow more public outreach and finalized designs for a proposed Middle School and Firehouse project; the extension may require contract amendments and extra public‑engagement spending.
Colliers Project Leaders and Tecton Architects told the Suffield Permanent Building Commission on June 18 that the consulting team is "now planning for an early 2027 referendum to allow additional time for public outreach and community engagement," giving town officials more time to refine designs and cost estimates.
Scott Pellman of Colliers reviewed the revised schedule and said key milestones include conceptual design development, updated cost estimates, and preparation of informational materials for residents. He said geotechnical investigations, survey work and environmental assessments for the Middle School are underway and that consultants are updating cash‑flow analyses and tax‑impact projections to help the town evaluate financial implications.
The consultants and commissioners discussed the approvals sequence required to place a question before voters — approvals by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance and a Special Town Meeting — and the likely need for additional public outreach throughout the summer and fall. Commissioners expressed support for the extended timeline but asked Colliers and Tecton to submit detailed proposals describing any additional scope and estimated costs tied to schedule changes.
The commission did not set a final referendum date; staff and consultants will return with more complete cost estimates and outreach plans before the next milestones are finalized.
