Lebanon charged $300K for roof clearing

Lebanon, Conn (WTNH) - The snow piles remain along the driveway leading up to Lyman Memorial High School, but the roof of the school is clear, and the school system is left with a bill it never expected.

"I was shocked I was shocked we had no idea it would be that much money," Superintendent of Schools Janet Tyler said.

Tyler received the bill from Eagle Rivet Roof Service out of Bloomfield last week. $303,000 to clear off the roofs of the high school, the middle school, and the elementary school in Lebanon. She says they were quoted a price per hour of $110 per worker, but they never expected it would take so many workers, and so many days.

When asked if she wished she had gotten an estimate up front, Tyler said, "I wish we had received one. Yes, I very much do."

Tyler, who points out the schools and students are safe because of the snow removal, says other school systems have been charged more, but many have also been charged a lot less by other companies. She will be meeting with other superintendents to see if her big bill is fair.

Some taxpayers share in the sticker shock.

"They're pretty upset. They want to know why no one got estimates," said Jeff Sirois from Lebanon Green Market.

"Maybe an estimate, but still that seems outrageous for three schools. $300,000 there's got to be another way," Lebanon resident Julia Clements said.

News 8 contacted Eagle Rivet Roof to hear what they had to say about the bill. When we spoke to an employee on the phone all they would say to us was "No Comment."

The town has contacted the Attorney General. A spokesperson for the Attorney General's office said they're looking into this matter, and so are legislators.