SHELBURN, Vt. (WCAX) – Voters in Shelburne will consider a $38 million bond measure to update the town’s aging sewage treatment plant on upcoming Election Day.
“The issues we’re constantly dealing with are staffing, equipment issues and a lot of overtime,” said Shelburne Water Quality Supervisor Chris Robinson, who has operated the city’s wastewater plant for more than 20 years. says. He says there was only one upgrade during that time. However, the wall molding and critical equipment are malfunctioning and assistance is needed. “It’s just at the end of its life. If you actually have a structural defect in the equipment and the actual frame or body of the equipment is actually deteriorating, that has a huge economic impact.”
The town says approval of the bond measure will also help expand sewer capacity to allow for new housing construction. Only the sewer customers will pay, and it will add about 3% or $30 to their sewer bill.
But not everyone is so sure about voting. “Sometimes it feels like they’re rushing to get something done. They only have half the facts. There’s only so much a retiree who is a taxpayer here in town can deal with. ” said local resident Rick Bessette.
If approved, the Harbor Road facility would be upgraded to a pumping station that would direct flow to the first facility on Crown Road, about three miles away.
“What that means for individual homeowners is maybe a $1 a month bond payment so the town can maintain their investment, provide new opportunities, businesses and housing for the town, and be environmentally friendly. Mayor Shelburne said. Matt Lawless.
Officials expect construction on the two facilities to begin next summer.
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