Finance Committee unanimously backs $959,000 supplemental for Atkinson Pool

SUDBURY -- May 1, 2025, Sudbury FinCom unanimously backs $959,000 supplemental for Atkinson Pool, lifting total project to $3.73 million. The 8-0 vote at the May 1 meeting reflected a contingency line raised from 12 percent to 17 percent, about $418,000, after Assistant Town Manager Victor Garofalo and Town Manager Andy Sheehan rebuilt the cost stack following an unfavorable first bid round. Combined Facility Director Sandra Duran told members the team's confidence in fixing the 152,000-gallon-per-month leak sits "in the high 90s" but cautioned that pipes encased 11 feet below the deck make absolute certainty impossible. Member Henry P. Sorett said he wanted to "do it right" once and not return for more money; Sheehan declined to promise no future asks. The committee also voted 7-0 each to support $15,000 for Sudbury 250th anniversary activities and a $100 placeholder authorizing purchase or lease of MBTA-owned buildings. On the proposed specialized stretch energy code, the four-member minority split irreconcilably, Sorett drafting opposition, Karl Fries drafting support, leaving no minority report.