Trappe council introduces ordinances to secure up to $1.141 million for sewer pumping station work

The Trappe Town Council on Nov. 6 introduced two ordinances designed to secure interim and permanent financing for repairs and upgrades to the town’s sanitary sewer pumping stations.

President Schmidt read Ordinance 5-2024, which would authorize the issuance and sale of up to $1,141,000 in bonds, and Ordinance 6-2024, which would authorize bond anticipation notes in the same amount. Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan said the ordinances reflect increased project costs and that drafts have been reviewed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and by bond counsel.

Commissioner Jeremy Newnam moved to introduce Ordinance 5-2024 and Commissioner Walter Chase seconded; both motions to introduce the ordinances carried unanimously. Public hearings on the ordinances were set for Dec. 4, 2024, at 5:45 p.m.

Attorney Ryan told the council the measures are timed to address the expiration of the town’s interim financing with Shore United on Dec. 5, 2024, and to position the town to obtain USDA-required financing given higher project costs. The ordinances specify bond terms, security by the town’s full faith and credit, and designation of specific pumping station projects to be financed.

The council approved introduction of the ordinances without amendment and did not take a final financing vote at the meeting; final approval will depend on the Dec. 4 public hearings and subsequent action by the council.

Next steps: public hearings on Dec. 4, and further review by the council and its financial and legal advisers.