Essex Voters To Decide $12.7 Million Capital Plan, Up To $10 Million In Borrowing

ESSEX, CT — Essex voters will decide Sept. 29 whether to approve $12.7 million for capital projects, including bridge and road repairs and improvements to municipal and school facilities, with the town authorized to borrow up to $10 million to finance the work.

Before the referendum, a special town meeting will be held Sept. 16 to discuss the proposed appropriation and financing.

The capital program calls for $2.75 million for repairs to the River Road and Old Deep River Road bridges; $3.7 million for road repairs, drainage improvements, related equipment and streetlight improvements; and $2 million for improvements to the Public Works Department campus and Animal Control Facility and the purchase of a generator.

The plan also includes $1.2 million for improvements to Essex Elementary School and a generator, $650,000 for improvements to the Police Department building, $1 million for improvements to the Fire Department building and purchase of a water tanker, and $1.4 million for improvements to the Centerbrook Meeting House. Those projects total $12.7 million, according to the Board of Selectmen's resolution.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved recommending the $12.7 million appropriation and borrowing authorization to the Board of Finance at its June 17 meeting. First Selectman Norman Needleman made the motion, Selectman Bruce Glowac seconded it and the motion passed unanimously, according to the meeting minutes.

Under the resolution, Essex could issue bonds, notes or temporary notes totaling no more than $10 million, or a lower amount after grants received for the projects are deducted. The first selectman and finance director would be authorized to establish terms and other details of the borrowing.

The proposal would also authorize the first selectman to apply for and accept or reject grants for the projects and execute related agreements on behalf of the town.

The Sept. 16 special town meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave. The capital proposal will be discussed there, but the decision will be made by referendum rather than at the meeting.

Voting will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Essex Town Hall. Absentee ballots will be available through the Town Clerk's Office.