Epping selectmen back $30 million bond to upgrade wastewater plant after public hearing

The Epping Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 on Jan. 5 to support Warrant Article 1, a proposal to raise and appropriate $30,000,000 for an upgrade to the town's wastewater treatment facility that the warrant says will qualify the town for federal and state funds.

Vice Chair Pamela Tibbetts read the warrant at the start of a public hearing, which spells out authorization to issue bonds or notes under the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), to apply for federal or state grants, and to participate in the State Revolving Fund (RSA 486.14). "It is the intention of the Town that the bond or note repayment shall be paid for by general taxation," the warrant notice says.

Why it matters: Town officials said the upgrade is intended to increase capacity and position Epping to receive outside funding that could reduce the amount financed by local taxpayers. The town announced an education session on Jan. 29 and invited residents to a Water & Sewer Commission meeting the next day for technical and timeline details.

During the hearing, resident Robert Moore asked for background on the plant's problems and why upgrades are needed now; Water & Sewer Commissioner Marc Nickerson gave an overview and urged interested residents to attend the Water & Sewer meeting and the Jan. 29 session for detailed construction timelines and cost projections. Resident John Clark asked whether this article implements the "highest capacity" option from last year's three-option vote; board members said Underwood Engineers will provide specific answers at upcoming meetings.

Selectman Cliff Cray moved to support Warrant Article 1 and Chairman Tom Gauthier seconded; the motion passed 4-0. The Board recorded no amendments at the meeting; Underwood Engineers were cited as the source for forthcoming schedule, revenue and capacity estimates.

Next steps: Technical briefings from Underwood Engineers are scheduled at the Water & Sewer Commission meeting the following day and at the Jan. 29 public education session at Town Hall, where town officials said they will answer specific questions about timelines, revenue impacts and grant matching requirements.