#Middlebury #Referendum
Editor’s Note: Two letters to the editor regarding Middlebury’s March 27 referendum ballot follow. More letters to the editor are welcome. They may be emailed to beeintelligencer@gmail.com.
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Dear Editor:
The Democratic Town Committee at its March 12 meeting voted to recommend the taxpayers of Middlebury on March 27, 2019 vote “No” to questions one and two of the referendum, the issuance of an additional $5.8 million in debt.
This would bring the total new debt the town took on in the last two years to $12.75 million. The town of Middlebury’s operating budget is around $10.5 million, and these new bonds would bring our debt total to almost $13 million, which is insane. The cost of servicing this debt would be around $1 million per year, which would represent 10 percent of our operating budget.
Sincerely,
Selectman Michael J. McCormack
Middlebury, CT
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Dear Editor,
On March 27, the Middlebury Board of Selectman will be asking its residents to vote on questions relating to town finances. The referendum addresses the Middlebury Capital Asset Revitalization Program. This plan is an outline of Middlebury’s future capital costs. These fundamental expenditures provide the physical infrastructure upon which the town bases its delivery of services. Since the project’s inception two years ago, 33 roads were crack sealed, micro-paved, or full depth reclaimed. Catch basins and drainage pipes were reinstated, dead trees removed, and bridges refurbished. The Town Hall and Shepardson Community Center’s leaky roofs were replaced, interiors of buildings were painted, and park facilities improved. Unfortunately, there is still more restoring, resurfacing, and repairing to complete.
Money for the next phase of improvements will come from two sources – bonding and appropriations to the general fund budget. As Middlebury’s existing debit service is retired, it will be replaced by the proposed spending, keeping taxes stable in future years. This monetary request will not cause a significant increase in the town’s portion of the annual general fund budget.
The first question regards approval of a $4.2-million appropriation and bond issuance authorization to repair and improve Middlebury roads. More than 30 streets need to be overhauled.
The second question requests support for a $1.6-million appropriation and bond issuance authorization for the Middlebury Capital Asset Revitalization Program, Phase 2019. This will allow for improvements and repairs to the police department, town hall, library, Shepardson Community Center, fire department headquarters, public works, Fenn Farm, historical society, and park and recreation buildings and facilities.
The third question is on a $3.5-million appropriation and bond issuance authorization. The funds are to be used to renovate and replace sewage pump stations. The Middlebury sewage users will pay this debt, but the Water Pollution Control Authority must rely on the town for the ability to borrow money.
Finally, residents will be asked to approve the sale of a 134.11-acre parcel on 69 Nichols Road to the Middlebury Land Trust, Inc. for the sum of $225,000. This land was donated to the town about 20 years ago by the Connecticut Water Company. Of the 134 acres, only six are available for use and this acreage encumbers much restrictiveness within the deed.
I urge a “Yes” vote on all four questions. As with residential homes, it is far more cost efficient not to delay necessary repairs as they occur, but rather take care of them with expediency. I recommend residents drive around Middlebury and observe what has been accomplished to date. The Shepardson Community Center polls will be open March 27 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sincerely,
Selectman Elaine Strobel
Middlebury, CT
