A proposal to spend $1.8 million to improve lighting, heating and address other school facility needs got a frosty reception from Wiscasset Selectmen Tuesday night.

Superintendent of Schools Heather Wilmot summarized the proposed project and explained its benefits. She said energy  improvement projects involving school facilities are governed by state statutes. The school department had Siemens of Scarborough conduct an energy audit. A fact sheet Wilmot provided listed an anticipated $70,000 Efficiency Maine rebate and estimated energy savings of $50,000 per year.

The School Committee will vote on the project at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15 in the Wiscasset Middle High School library. Wilmot said the department’s attorney has recommended two votes, one to enter into a contract, the other authorizing Wilmot to look into obtaining bank financing through “a lease purchase agreement.”

Wilmot said the financing will be placed within the facilities and maintenance line voters will consider.

Chairman Judy Colby said she wished the board of selectmen had been told sooner about the school department’s plans. “What happens on your side of the budget impacts our side as well.” Colby said that because of the cost, the project should go to voters for their approval.

“I think it’s illegal. No monies can be expended until they’ve been approved by the townspeople,” Selectman David Cherry added.

Town Manager Marian Anderson said she’d asked the town’s legal counsel to get in touch with the school’s attorney for a better understanding of the process.

“You’re binding the town to a contract for 16 years,” Colby continued. “I feel this needs to go before the townspeople for a vote,” she repeated. She hoped the school department would advertise the Dec. 15 meeting and she hoped plenty of people would attend.

 “It shows a certain level of contempt to voters,” Cherry added, likening it to “pulling a fast one over on the town.”

 “Outrageous,” was how Selectman Ben Rines Jr. described it. “You should always put the taxpayers first. You risk everything if you don’t,” he said.

 “Once the school board approves this, you’ll have a contract?” Colby asked.

Yes, Wilmot responded. She added that state law requires a lease purchasing agreement as opposed to a bond for the financing. Wilmot said the school department hopes to secure a 3 to 3.5 percent interest rate.

Selectman Jeff Slack remained silent during the discussion.

In past Wiscasset Newspaper stories that began in February, Siemens and school department officials have said the project would replace aging equipment, save on energy and improve the learning environment for students.