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Select Board approves bond resolutions to place sewer bond question on state-prepared ballot
Summary
The board approved the necessity resolution, reimbursement resolution, and bond vote warning so a sewer bond (up to $5 million) to address phosphorus and PFAS-related upgrades can be included on the state-prepared November ballot mailed to registered Bennington voters.
The Select Board voted to approve the package of bond-related actions needed to place a sewer-bond question on the state-prepared ballot: a necessity resolution affirming the upgrades are necessary, a reimbursement resolution allowing prior expenditures to be reimbursed, and the bond vote warning and public hearing notice (including ballot language) to be sent to the Secretary of State for inclusion on mailed ballots. Town staff said the bond has been reviewed by bond counsel and that placing the article on the state-prepared ballot is more cost-effective than issuing a separate municipal ballot.
Board members clarified the financial implications: while proceeds would be used for sewer infrastructure and PFAS/phosphorus upgrades, any debt obligations backed by the town’s full faith and credit would legally expose the town beyond the enterprise fund and therefore require voter approval. Staff also said the town will pursue grants and forgivable funding to reduce the amount ratepayers might ultimately carry. The set of resolutions and the mailing authorization were approved by the board (vote recorded as 4–1).
