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Voters defeat $28.54 million Western Long Pond sewer appropriation; selectmen said vote preserves eligibility for future funding
Summary
A proposed $28.54 million loan-funded sewer project for the western shore of Long Pond failed at Town Meeting; selectmen explained the town voted down the appropriation to avoid committing to a project before a funding plan was ready while remaining on the state priority list.
Lakeville voters on May 12, 2008 rejected a proposed $28,540,000 appropriation to finance a sewer project serving shoreline properties on the western side of Long Pond.
Why it matters: The sewer project was presented as a large borrowing authorization to construct a sewer system for shorefront communities. Passing such an article would have authorized borrowing, potential Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) loan agreements and related contracts; defeat preserves the town’s ability to remain eligible for state funding without obligating immediate borrowing.
What happened at the meeting: The motion for Article 16 sought authorization for the treasurer, with selectmen’s approval, to borrow $28,540,000 under Chapter 44 and Chapter 29C of the Massachusetts General Laws and to enter loan and project agreements with the DEP and other entities. The Capital/Selectmen presenters explained Lakeville had earlier been placed on the SRF priority list and had been approved for a state loan allocation, but the board recommended voting the article down at this time because the town was not prepared to authorize the debt.
Selectman comment: A selectman explained that voting the article down would allow the town to remain on the state priority list without committing the town to immediate borrowing and construction; the selectman said the town might pursue grants or a plan to reduce property betterments before asking voters to approve borrowing.
Finance committee recommendation: The finance committee did not recommend the appropriation for the reasons given by selectmen.
Outcome: The moderator called for the vote; the meeting voted to defeat Article 16.
