Queenstown commissioners introduce $1.828 million bond to finance water-system upgrades

The Queenstown Commissioners on Feb. 26 introduced Ordinance 25‑01, authorizing the issuance of a general obligation bond and a general obligation note, each in amounts not to exceed $1,828,000, to finance upgrades to the town’s water system. President Al Hardee moved to introduce the ordinance; Commissioner Tom Willis seconded and the motion passed 3–0. A public hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2025.

According to the ordinance text presented to commissioners, the bond proceeds would fund refurbishment of the town’s existing 50,000‑gallon elevated tank, installation of a new 100,000‑gallon ground storage tank, construction of a new four‑inch well into the Mattawan aquifer, a new water‑treatment facility, replacement of undersized or defective water mains to meet state standards, and extensions of water mains to new areas. The ordinance references state enabling authority cited in the minutes; the full ordinance language also prescribes terms for sale of the bond and the note and pledges the town’s full faith and credit for repayment.

Town staff said bond and note proceeds would also cover related design, engineering, legal, and other project costs. Commissioners did not vote on awarding contracts or on financing terms beyond introducing the ordinance; the public hearing later this month will allow further comment and final action. The minutes record that a separate public‑works agreement amendment and a utilities right‑of‑way and easement document were authorized for signature by unanimous vote during the same meeting.

If adopted after the hearing, the ordinance would permit the town to sell debt to fund the projects described; commissioners noted the schedule and next steps but did not set a construction start date at the Feb. 26 meeting.