This referendum asks Windham voters whether to authorize the issuance of up to $19.5 million in bonds to convert the current Windham Middle School building into a multi-use Community Center, and to appropriate up to $2 million from the Town’s fund balance to reduce the amount that must be borrowed.

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The project would relocate the Parks and Recreation Department, an expanded library, Town Hall offices, and social services into the former middle school once it becomes available (expected mid-to-late 2027 after the new Windham-Raymond Middle School opens). Planned amenities include a playground, outdoor reading area, walking path, pickleball court, and potentially a pool.

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A special Council meeting on August 19, 2026 is scheduled to formally approve the warrant article, which will include a fiscal note.

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Official Ballot Language (Question 3)​

Shall the Town vote to 1.) authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and/or notes in anticipation thereof in the aggregate principal amount of up to $19,500,000 to finance the costs of rehabilitating the Windham Middle School for use as a community center, including the costs of design, engineering, professional services, site preparation, construction, renovation, operating costs, and other improvements and furnishings as may be required in connection with the project, with the dates, maturities, denominations, interest rate(s), payments, premiums, calls for redemption, with or without premium, form, and other details of such borrowing to be determined by the Town Council; 2.) appropriate the proceeds of said bonds or bond anticipation notes for the foregoing project, plus an amount necessary to refund the interest payments on any bond anticipation notes issued for said purpose and any costs of issuance of the bonds and/or bond anticipation notes; 3.) authorize the Town Council to approve the execution of one or more agreements as may be necessary in connection with the foregoing project and borrowing for said project on terms and conditions as the Town Council deems reasonable and necessary; and 4.) appropriate up to $2,000,000 of the Town’s fund balance as the Town Council deems reasonable and necessary to reduce the borrowing amount and directly pay for costs of the project, operating costs of the project, and/or pay for debt service in connection with the project, subject to all applicable regulations related to the use of said funds and the proceeds of the bonds and/or notes issued.

 

Fiscal Note: Question represents a total mil rate increase of 37 cents. This impact will be spread over 5 years by utilizing $2,000,000 in fund balance to limit the average annual mil rate impact to roughly 7.4 cents. This is equivalent to an annual tax increase of roughly $33.30 on a $450,000 household, which will continue for five consecutive years. There will be no further tax increase after the fifth year. The Town Council recommends a YES vote.​

 

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