Board backs $152 million wastewater and stormwater bond after staff adds peer-review and reporting steps

The Burlington Board of Finance voted unanimously to recommend placing a $152 million wastewater and stormwater bond (referred to in materials as the "late bond") on the March 4, 2025 ballot after staff described steps to tighten scope, cost estimates and procurement.

Megan Moyer (DPW) and Treasury staff summarized reductions to the overall capital ask since November and described new resolution language requiring public reporting at key design milestones and commissioning a comprehensive peer review at 60% final design. Moyer said staff also supports pursuing a construction-manager-at-risk project-delivery method, which would contractually bind a guaranteed maximum price, though the Vermont SRF program has not widely used that delivery method and the administration expects to consult the state.

Why it matters: staff said the larger wastewater/stormwater ask addresses permit-driven needs, combined-sewer abatements and collection-system replacements that the city says are necessary to avoid permit violations and enable future development. Moyer told the board that failing to finance those projects could lead to repairs, permit risks, and constraints on approving new connections as the city approaches permit thresholds.

Cost-control steps: the administration agreed to require detailed milestone updates at 90% preliminary engineering and at design milestones, and it will seek a 60% peer review and evaluate construction-manager-at-risk delivery. Councilors also discussed the potential for value engineering and the importance of securing SRF funding and grants to reduce ratepayer impacts.

Outcome: The board recommended the updated resolution to place the $152 million wastewater and stormwater bond on the March 4, 2025 ballot. Board members voted to recommend the updated resolution unanimously.