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Bangor council debates $75 million parks-and-recreation bond, cites voter-approval requirement and cost risks
Summary
City staff presented a $75 million bond and ballot language for a new parks-and-recreation facility, and councilors raised concerns about the price tag, referendum timing and the need for clearer funding strategies if voters reject the measure.
City Manager Lehi told the Bangor City Council at a March 23 workshop that two agenda items would come before the council: a second reading to authorize the bond issuance and approval of the ballot language for a proposed parks-and-recreation facility. She cautioned that, under the city’s ordinance, any bond issuance above the local threshold also requires a voter referendum, meaning a council vote alone would not allow staff to issue the bonds.
The council heard an extended debate on the project’s scale and fiscal risk. "Voting yes on the $75,000,000 issuance would not be enough for city staff to go out and get the $75,000,000," City Manager Lehi said, explaining the ordinance and the requirement for a voter approval because the authorization exceeds…
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