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Town of Union board approves multiple bond resolutions and equipment purchases
Summary
The Town of Union Board on Feb. 4 approved several resolutions authorizing bond issuances and equipment purchases for highways, parks and sidewalks, and authorized a backhoe purchase; most measures passed, with Councilman Frank J. Bertoni recorded as the sole dissenter on several bond items.
The Town of Union Board on Feb. 4 approved a package of capital authorizations and equipment purchases that the board’s finance and capital projects committees said will fund highway equipment, park improvements and curb, gutter and sidewalk work.
The measures, moved primarily by Councilman Thomas R. Augostini and seconded by Councilman Joseph P. Nirchi, Sr., included bond authorizations and purchase approvals with maximum estimated costs published in the meeting minutes. A resolution authorizing the issuance of $130,670 in bonds to pay for various capital items passed with Supervisor Robert Mack and Councilmen Augostini, Nirchi and David Kudgus voting yes and Councilman Frank J. Bertoni voting no. Several other bond authorizations — including a highway equipment authorization with a maximum estimated cost of $718,144.70 — were recorded as adopted, generally by unanimous recorded votes or as noted in the minutes.
Augostini summarized how the highway package was structured: “There are several items needed and they all cost at least $30,000, but the total is no more than $718,144.70.” That authorization is recorded in the minutes as subject to permissive referendum, meaning voters may petition for a public vote under state law.
Other approved measures listed in the minutes included authorizations for the purchase of recycling trucks (maximum estimated cost $280,000), park facility improvements ($346,800), underdrain installation ($75,000) and curbs, gutters and sidewalks improvements ($350,000). The minutes show Councilman Bertoni recorded a dissenting vote on several items; most other measures were recorded as unanimous.
The capital projects committee separately approved acquisition of a new 2026 Caterpillar 420XE backhoe loader from Milton Cat under a buy-back program. According to the minutes, the list price was $144,000 with a trade-in allowance of $90,000, producing a net outlay of $54,000 charged to the Highway Equipment Account; the resolution passed by unanimous vote.
The board also approved a refund of an escrow balance of $750.28 to Norbut Solar Farms and received and filed multiple department reports, including the Town of Union’s 2024 audited financial statements and the January 2026 permits report. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.; the next regular meeting was listed for Feb. 5, 2026.
What changed: The board formalized financing and purchasing steps to replace and upgrade equipment and complete infrastructure and park projects; most actions authorize bond issuance that the minutes list as subject to permissive referendum where applicable.
What’s next: The minutes note the permissive referendum process where indicated; no further votes were recorded in the minutes on these items at the Feb. 4 meeting.
