Drive-Up Vote Approves New Roof For Vernon's Center Road School

VERNON, CT — Vernon voters at a Tuesday night town meeting approved an appropriation of $471,450 to fund replacement of the roof at Center Road School.

The total estimated project cost is $1.5 million.

A state-administered school construction Grant will cover $1,028,055, or 68.57 percent, of the cost, town officials said.

Vernon's share is being allocated from the general fund balance and a town meeting g was required for approval because of the amount.

The vote was 25 yes and zero no.

The meeting was called to order via Zoom and discussion was offered.

Voters assembled outside the Vernon Town Hall and could either walk up or drive up to cast their
ballots.

Tuesday's town meting was the third such voting sequence in Vernon since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Vernon officials said it has worked out to be a safe alternative that maintains the spirit of live local participation.

"Keeping our residents safe is my No. 1 priority," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "Preserving the right of voters and taxpayers to have a say in how government spends their hard-earned tax dollars is also critically important and we are committed to doing that in Vernon."

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary estimated the roof at CRS to be 25 to 30 years old, which points to the need for a new one by age alone.