Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Roads And Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectboard weighs nearly $1.0M road-resurfacing package, bond to go on Town Meeting ballot
Summary
The Williamstown Selectboard reviewed a resurfacing plan covering roughly 14–16 miles with an estimated total cost of $998,200 and discussed financing through the Vermont Bond Bank at about 2.9% for 10 years; the board agreed to revisit the proposal on Jan. 12, 2026, and to put the question on the Australian ballot at Town Meeting.
The Williamstown Selectboard reviewed a proposed road-resurfacing package that would cover roughly 14 miles built to a 24-foot width and 9-inch depth using 1¼-inch crushed granite, with an estimated 49,000 cubic yards at $16.80 per cubic yard and a total project cost of $998,200.
Chair Larry Hebert read the prioritized list of roads the town staff recommends for the top seven roads (13.84 miles), and two additional roads that bring the full list to 16.29 miles. Hebert said the best financing rate identified was through the Vermont Bond Bank at about 2.9% for a 10-year term; estimated interest on that loan was listed as $140,215 (roughly $14,000 per year). Hebert noted current spring repair costs to the Highway budget run about $30,000 annually and that shifting to a bonded capital project could reduce recurring emergency repairs.
Board members discussed the scope and materials needed: whether crushed granite or crushed ledge and gravel would be more appropriate, whether current widths (some less than 24 feet) require regrading, and concerns about available materials and trucking. The minutes record the project line items used for the estimate: a subtotal of $823,200 for material plus grader and roller rentals, trucking, chloride, culverts and miscellaneous labor that sum to $998,200.
No formal vote was taken. The board agreed the spending amount would need to be placed on an Australian Ballot at Town Meeting and scheduled further discussion for the Selectboard meeting on Jan. 12, 2026.
