Cromwell Council Approves $10,000 for Historic Bell Restoration, New Health Director
Town Council · Meeting of March 11, 2026
Cromwell Town Council split 4-2 to fund a $21,000 restoration of the town's 1836 Holbrook Bell, approving $10,000 from the Capital Non-Recurring Fund Balance. Library Director Kara brought the bell, visible on the town seal and currently stored on a dolly in her office, before the council with Verdon Company of Ohio set to do the work, with $11,000 coming from library gift funds; a companion bid waiver passed on a voice vote. The council also voted to approve $4,725 in seed funding for the Cromwell Cultural District Commission for startup marketing materials and a part-time secretary, over the town manager's suggestion to cap the amount at $3,225.
Member Jamin DeProto backed the full ask, saying "this is a good price based on my experience." The council separately appointed Maura Esposito as director of public health, subject to state acceptance, and heard from Board of Education member Matthew Zoroski that health-insurance costs are projected to rise between 23.71 and 32.86 percent depending on which carrier the district chooses, with all seven union contracts potentially needing to be reopened to access the most affordable option.
In the full story:
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Source: the Town Council meeting of March 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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