Farrington Elementary School Renovation Bond

At a glance

What: A bond of up to $53,571,590 to renovate about 48,000 square feet of Farrington Elementary School and build a roughly 33,000 square foot addition.
Where it stands: Council voted 7 to 0 on August 20, 2026 to send the question to voters.
Next: City voters decide at the municipal election on November 3, 2026; a majority yes vote puts the order into effect.

Authorizes appropriation and borrowing under the city charter and 20-A M.R.S. section 15904. The estimated period of utility is more than 30 years.
Amendment on August 20: replaced $53,525,590 with $53,571,590 throughout. Moved by Councilor Lind, seconded by Councilor Judkins, 7 to 0. Passage as amended, same mover and second, 7 to 0.
Ballot question wording as attached to the order says the city estimates $28,100 a year in net operating savings for each of the first two years; the question is described as entirely state-funded with no locally funded bonds, though the city remains responsible for any local share of principal and interest included in the total cost of education and for the non-state-funded portion.
The project includes closing the Lillian P. Hussey Elementary School.
The School Department has a goal of raising $1,000,000 in gifts for new equipment; the goal may not be met or may be exceeded.

Councilor Gary-Allen was absent. The minutes record no debate.

Amended (cost figure raised by $46,000) and passed 7 to 0 for the November 3 ballot.