The only local referendum question on the November 2 ballot will ask Gorham voters to approve the allocation of funds to cover the increased cost of upgrading and repairing outdated heat pumps at Gorham Middle School (GMS).

The $819,900 needed for the project will come from additional state subsidy and undesignated fund balance, an expenditure recommended by the School Committee and approved by the Town Council. The referendum does not ask for any new funds, only authorization to spend this available money.

Last year, voters authorized the School Department to borrow $2.26 million for the project, but since then the projected cost has increased to $3.1 million. “Unfortunately, the reason for the increase comes down to simple economics,” Norm Justice, director of facilities and maintenance, said. “It is supply and demand for both materials and labor. With COVID there has been a huge demand for heating and ventilation equipment in schools which has driven up the cost of equipment.” Justice also said that due to labor shortages mechanical contractors have had to increase their rates to attract skilled help.

The HVAC system at GMS is more than 18 years old, and 7 of the 130 heat pumps have failed in the last two years. It is not possible to get replacements for the outdated heat pumps and the cost of repairing one by retrofitting parts from older units costs about $10,000.

Justice said that if the referendum were to fail, eventually the HVAC system would not be able to appropriately heat the building or circulate and ventilate the air.

Information about the three state referendum questions will appear in the October 14 issue.