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Assembly forwards $3.315 million bond question for Skow Bay standby generator to October ballot
Summary
Assembly approved Ordinance 2026-13 to authorize revenue bonds not to exceed $3,315,000 to fund the Skow Bay standby generator project and place the debt question on the Oct. 6, 2026 local ballot; staff said projected rate increases include debt service.
The Petersburg Borough Assembly unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-13 on July 20, authorizing revenue bonds of up to $3,315,000 to finance the Skow Bay standby generator project and placing the question before voters on Oct. 6, 2026.
Members asked staff how the project would affect rates and reserves. The administration said planned rate increases over the next five years include the debt-service payments. "The debt services payments were figured in the next five years' rate increases," staff said during the discussion. Utility staff explained the generator is intended to provide backup capacity when the borough's main transmission is disrupted and noted recent peaks: "This last year, we had a peak of 13.8 megawatts, and our current generation...is roughly 13 megawatts," the utility director said, explaining why additional backup capacity is needed.
Staff also noted potential transformer replacement costs could range widely (the director discussed a $10 million to $12 million estimate for replacing a rare split-voltage transformer) and said the bond helps address a budget shortfall caused by rising construction costs on the project. The ordinance was moved, seconded and passed unanimously by roll call.
