The November 2024 election ballot contains a question asking, “Shall the voters authorize the Selectboard to borrow by issuance of bonds or notes an amount not to exceed One Million, Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000) for a term up to twenty (20) years and not to exceed an interest rate of two percent (2%) for the purpose of upgrading the Heritage Estates Pump Station and Center Road Sewer Forcemain, with debt service costs borne by the users of the Town municipal wastewater system?”
The Center Road Forcemain project involves the replacement of 2,420 linear feet of 8-Inch Class 52 Ductile Iron sanitary sewer forcemain along the southern side of Center Road / VT Route 15. In addition to the forcemain work, the project will include upgrades to the existing pump station controls, ensuring safe, reliable wastewater management for residents and businesses alike.
Who pays for the project?
If the bond is approved, this project will be paid for by all residents and business owners connected to the Town’s sanitary sewer collection system. Those not connected will not see an increase in fees or taxes.
Cost to system users
The total increase in sewer rates associated with this project to the average residential sewer connection are estimated at $46.15 per year, or $3.85 per month. There will be no increase for residents not connected to the sewer system.
Reasons for the project
Over the past several years, there have been three breaks on the existing Center Road sewer forcemain. Replacing outdated or failing sanitary sewer forcemains enhances the overall sanitary sewer collection system, ensuring that the Town’s sewage system operates efficiently and reliably.
- Decreased Future Maintenance costs - Investing in infrastructure now can prevent more costly repairs and failures in the future. In 2021 and 2022, the Town of Essex Water and Sewer Department had three significant breaks on the existing 8-Inch forcemain along Center Road / VT Route 15, which cost the Town Water and Sewer Department approximately $175,000 in total repair bills. A new forcemain can lead to reduced maintenance costs and fewer emergency repairs.
- Public Health and Environmental Benefits - A new sanitary sewer forcemain can reduce the risk of sewage leaks and overflows, protecting public health and minimizing exposure to contaminants that could lead to illness. Additionally, these upgrades can reduce the environmental impact of wastewater management, protecting local water sources and ecosystems from pollution.
- Compliance with Regulations - Replacing aging infrastructure is necessary to meet both state and federal regulatory standards, reducing potential fines and ensuring system compliance.
How can I learn more about the project and the vote?
Information about the project is online at www.essexvt.org/bondvote. There will also be a public hearing at the November 4, 2024 Selectboard meeting. The public hearing will begin at 6:35 p.m., and can be attended online via Zoom, by phone at (888) 7-0099 | Meeting ID: 987 8569 1140; Passcode: 032060, or by attending the hearing in person at the Essex Town Offices at 81 Main St., Essex Junction, VT.