Vote Yes on the Headworks Bond!
Vote “yes” on the bond to keep wastewater plant operational
This November, Barre City voters will be asked to weigh in on a bond measure to fund critical updates at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The plant, originally built in the 1950’s, is currently undergoing a much-overdue 20-year review. We are asking voters to approve a $7.6 million bond on November’s ballot to rebuild the Facility’s headworks. We hope we can count on your support to break ground on this project in Spring 2025.
The headworks is the portion of the plant that removes solid materials from wastewater at the front end of the treatment process. Those materials range from wipes to grit. The main structure of the headworks is original to the Facility and was last updated in 1970. The headworks has been identified as the component that needs immediate attention. Any other investments at the Facility would be fruitless absent a fix to the headworks.
WHY DO WE NEED TO DO THIS PROJECT?
Modernizing the headworks will extend the life and utility of additional components of the Facility, including the digesters, and contribute to reducing the odors that impact North End neighborhoods. Absent voter approval, the headworks will continue to deteriorate, which will impact other important functions at the Facility. This is a long-term solution to a chronic failure point at the plant.
WHAT IS THE PROJECT COST?
The total anticipated project cost is $7.6 million. The ballot question references a $9.3 million total project cost, but the bonded amount is $7.6 million without incurring additional costs, financing or debt with the difference covered by State and/or Federal grants.
WILL THIS IMPACT MY PROPERTY TAXES?
No, the bond debt service would not be paid from property taxes. The debt of the bond would be reflected in sewer rates paid by all users, including those outside City limits.
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE VOTE FOR THE BOND?
Residents that choose to vote absentee will receive a second ballot in the mail specific to this bond issue – please make sure to complete and return this ballot as well. For residents who choose to vote in-person on election day, votes for the bond can be cast at the Barre Municipal Auditorium on November 5 from 7AM to 7PM.
WILL THERE BE A PUBLIC MEETING ON THIS PROJECT?
Yes, a public information meeting will be held on Monday, October 28 at 6:00PM in City Hall.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
If you have any questions about the project, please contact the City Manager at citymanager@barrecity.org or (802) 224-6520.