According to Temple Select Board member Ken Caisse, the shingles on the Town Hall roof deteriorated faster than expected, lasting only 15 years of an anticipated 30-year guarantee from local manufacturers, and the manufacturer did not provide a warranty.
Therefore, on Wednesday, Aug. 10, Bedford-based Patriot Roofing started installing new shingles at the town’s historic town hall, which was built in 1842. According to Caisse, Select Board members unanimously voted in July to repair the roof and received approximately $148,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to fund the project, meaning the project will be free to Temple taxpayers.
Caisse said a new roof is a much-needed repair for the community.
“It’ll keep this building up and running for another 40 to 50 years,” said Caisse.
Patriot Roofing owner Ryan Allen said he looks forward to finishing the project and helping out the Temple community.
“I think it would mean a lot to see this building get the repairs it needs,” said Allen.
The new roof is expected to be finished by Friday, Aug. 12. According to the announcement of the work on the town website, workers at the site all day and into the evening, and no cars should be parked near the building on construction days.
The town is also in the process of receiving new audio and video technology to record future board meetings at Town Hall. The installation is expected to be finished by the end of August.