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Council authorizes water system revenue bonds to fund Saylesville water main replacements; rate impacts expected
Summary
The council approved a resolution authorizing water-system revenue bonds to finance roughly 7,500 feet of Saylesville-area water main replacements; Water Commission and staff said rate increases are expected and a May 7 public hearing will discuss water rates and other water projects.
The Lincoln Town Council voted to authorize water system revenue bonding on April 15 to fund the Saylesville water main improvement project, which includes approximately 7,500 feet of replacement mains on Cabot Street, Pond Avenue, Reed Avenue, Smith Street, Oakwood and Ridgewood (Richfield Road).
A Water Commission representative described the project as proactive work to replace aging mains ahead of planned town road repaving. The contract for the work has been awarded to Anaciello (Anaciello Construction). The bonds will finance water-main replacements so the town can coordinate road and water improvements efficiently.
Nut graf: Councilors and staff emphasized that the financing will likely affect water rates. Staff and the Water Commission urged council members to attend a May 7 public hearing on proposed water-rate changes. Additional water projects (a tank replacement and source-water upgrades) were cited as drivers of rate adjustments.
Council discussion noted that some roads in the project area are in poor condition and that the replacements have been long anticipated. Staff said the water commission has not comprehensively updated rates for many years and that rate changes are intended to cover a portfolio of system improvements.
Action: The council adopted the resolution authorizing issuance of water system revenue bonds. Councilors were told a May 7 public hearing will present rate details and the broader capital needs driving the proposed changes.
Ending: The resolution authorizes borrowing to begin the project; staff flagged multiple system needs and advised the council the rate-setting process will be addressed in the upcoming May 7 hearing.
