Suffield selectmen weigh middle school savings, take no vote on building plan
Superintendent floats buying a medical office building for the central office; Fire House 1 moves to Nov. 18
SUFFIELD - The Suffield Board of Selectmen took no vote Nov. 5 on the Permanent Building Commission's middle school recommendations and discussed ways to cut costs, according to draft minutes posted by the town. The board agreed it needs more input from the Board of Education and Board of Finance.
Superintendent Matt Dunbar discussed buying an existing medical office building near McAlister Intermediate School for the district's central office, which the minutes say could cut that cost by about half. Building commission Chairman Kevin Goff said it appeared viable but recommended a detailed space plan.
Other ideas included a smaller building, reconsidering the community gymnasium and timing solar and geothermal systems, since adding them after state approval could leave the district paying full cost. Estimates assume 4.5% annual construction cost growth.
First Selectman Colin Moll stressed the town's overall finances. Five financial models include possible annual budget growth limits of 2.5% for schools and 2.25% for the town.
Fire House 1 moved to Nov. 18. At an information session on state bridge grants for the Hickory Street and Copper Hill Road culverts, Public Works Director Lee Corbert said town records flagged culvert concerns as early as 1990.
Source: Town of Suffield, Board of Selectmen special meeting minutes, Nov. 5, 2026 (PDF, not yet approved), from the minutes post on the town's agendas and minutes page.
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