FROM THE NEWSROOM: A proposal to move forward with $25.8 million in sewer system upgrades in Killingly is being sent back to the public, after voters shot down the same proposal at referendum last week. At Tuesdays Special Town Council meeting, locals like Stewart Rivers said they originally voted against the proposal due to the Councils earlier statement of intent that the town might absorb ten percent of the debt service for the project over a period of years; he said ratepayers should foot the bill on their own, just like private septic owners do. However, resident Robert Loiselle spoke in favor of the project, which he argued would benefit the whole town by encouraging economic growth. He added that if the project doesnt get done now, the state will force the town to get it done later when the same financing deals – an anticipated 20 percent funded through a grant, and the remainder borrowed through a two percent interest loan – are no longer available. Sewer Authority Vice Chairman Pat McLaughlin and Town Councilor John Sarantopoulos agreed the argument that non-sewer users shouldnt have to pay for the project is invalid, because homeowners with private septic systems still have their waste hauled to Killinglys treatment plant, which is cheaper than transporting waste out of town. It was stressed by Town Manager Sean Hendricks that, like last weeks referendum, the upcoming vote will not address the issue of whether and how much the town will contribute to the expenses, saying that will be dealt with in upcoming budget seasons or possibly a town meeting. He also explained how a minor language amendment made to the proposal should eliminate existing misconceptions the project involves a land acquisition. A public hearing and town meeting where a decision will be made is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30th at 7 p.m., tentatively at the high school; the Council decided not to bring the proposal to machine vote again, in order to save time and money. Tune in for the full report.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 10:26:10 +0000
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