In what was a very close vote on both questions, the New Fairfield School building referendum(s) passed on Saturday October 5th by just over 200 votes. The Town posted on its facebook page noted that the High School project passed with 2141 "YES" votes to 1899 "NO" votes while the Consolidated plan passed with 2133 "Yes" and 1893 NO. The $113.4 million school building plan, proposed by the Board of Education, calls for a $84.2 million new high school and a $29.2 million addition onto Meeting House Hill School.
The issue had been a contentious one throughout town especially on the various social media pages, with proponents touting the cost savings over a renovation plan that some wanted as the state will reimburse the Town for a portion of new construction but not for renovations. Proponents pointed out how old the existing building are and the enormous cost to repair them. Opponents argued that the plan to tear down and rebuild was not thought out and rushed to the ballot especially with a 9% tax increase over the next 5 years.
School Officials were pleased with the results and hope to start the project within 2 years as the town must now get quotes and proposals for an architect, project manager, and construction manager. First Selectman Pat Del Monaco said the process of finding and approving a design will likely take about two years with construction completed in about 3-4 years.
The estimated cost of the learning academy project is $29 million dollars. The town expects a 38% state reimbursement for the project, which will leave an $18.4 million dollar balance for the Town.
Additions to the High School will involve 143,000 square-feet of new construction, athletic field replacements, locker room renovations and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades.
The estimated cost of the high school project is $84.2 million dollars and the town expects a 27.86% state reimbursement which leaves an approximate balance of $61.7 million dollars for the town.
First Selectman Del Monaco said that taxpayers will see a gradual rise in property tax rates up to 9% in the next 5 years before rates start declining.