District begins referendum campaign; bond counsel recommends November or January election over December

District administrators said they held a referendum kickoff meeting with bond counsel, architects, engineers and a communications firm and are preparing materials and a public-information campaign ahead of a possible capital referendum.

Bond counsel provided an analysis of referendum timing and recommended against a December election date, citing historically lower success rates. Counsel said November and January have higher success rates and advised the board that placing the measure on the November general election could also reduce election costs; the district would need a July resolution to place the referendum on the November ballot.

Administrators said the architect had received preliminary PEC letters from the state and the communications firm would draft a website, videos and advertising. They also said they are seeking proposals from financial-advisor firms to advise on whether a short-term note or a long-term bond is preferable; counsel noted financing costs vary depending on election timing and the district could save interest by completing financing sooner.

The board discussed outreach options including town halls and presence at Marlboro Day and noted a need for targeted outreach to senior citizens. Administrators said they would return with a sample resolution on the July agenda and might ask the board to approve a financial advisor.

Ending: Board members were briefed on next steps for communications and financing; the district will continue pre-referendum outreach and place a resolution on the July agenda if it chooses the November path.