Council approves interfund loan for DPW site and hears scaled-back water/wastewater bond plan

Burlington city officials moved forward on two items addressing public-works infrastructure.

First, the council unanimously approved a $520,000 interfund loan from the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport to the Department of Public Works to purchase and fit up 201 Flynn Avenue as a consolidated soil‑management facility. Director Chapin Spencer said the move resolves a long-standing operational need, frees up space in the Intervale and at other city lots, and includes a repayment plan tied to solid-waste revenue that aims to repay the loan over three to four years. Airport and city attorneys had reviewed the loan structure, and staff described it as compliant with FAA revenue‑use policy because the loan is short term and uses prevailing interest terms.

Second, staff presented a revised, smaller package of water and wastewater bond requests the mayor’s office and DPW intend to place before voters in March. After hearing council input and community concerns, staff narrowed the initial borrowing plan to a phased approach: a first-stage request concentrated on main plant investments and stormwater needs, pushing some large items (for example a full Main Plant rebuild and East Plant consolidation timing) into later phases. DPW staff said the change lowers projected early-year rate pressure and aligns some construction with expected state funding; they said they will return with final project lists, SRF/grant scenarios and ordinance language before council action. Staff also emphasized steps to pursue affordability measures with Burlington Electric and other partners and asked the council to review outreach materials before the final vote.

The interfund loan motion passed unanimously. Council members praised the DPW consolidation idea and emphasized continued scrutiny of water/wastewater costs and equity measures before the bond question goes to voters.