Roof replacement estimate higher for Stafford school

Matthew Verrilli, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
Updated ·1 min read

Oct. 15—STAFFORD — The estimate for the roof replacement project at Stafford Middle School has increased to $2.416 million from the rising cost of roofing materials.

Ongoing issues of water damage and leaks have affected the roof, with regular patching needed to prevent excessive leaking.

Originally projected at $1.863 million, town officials say the increase is from a 30% increase in the cost of roofing per square foot.

Construction costs may continue to rise, and the project is set to begin next summer.

At the Board of Finance meeting on Oct. 3, School Superintendent Steven Moccio said that he was contacted by Al Jacunski of Jacunski Humes Architects LLC, who noted the price per square foot had increased from $28 to $40 since the original estimate.

Because of the price increase, a vote on the project was put on hold at the Oct. 6 town meeting. The Board of Selectmen voted 2-1 on Oct. 5 to send the revised cost estimate to another town meeting, which has been scheduled for Oct. 26.

Town officials are expecting a grant reimbursement from the state for 71% of the total cost, or $1.386 million.

The remainder of the cost will be paid using $501,000 from the Board of Education's Excess Cost Fund, $198,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund, and approximately $300,000 from the unreserved general fund balance.

Moccio noted that American Rescue Plan Act funds cannot be used for the project, as the funding can only be used for air-quality projects such as air conditioning or ductwork.

Matthew covers Coventry and Tolland for the Journal Inquirer.