Town Meeting Reps to Decide on $2 Million for Sewer Project

Town Meeting representatives will gather tonight at the Senior Center to decide on appropriating an additional $2 million to finish the sewer project.

 and  have both voted to favorably recommend the article.

In 2008, Town Meeting OK'd $16 million for the project. Sewer Commissioners thought it would be enough to finish the job. The project has been in the works since the 1980s.

Town Manager Paul Cohen told selectmen last week all 190 miles of sewer has already been installed and the remaining work will provide 400 households in Chelmsford with sewer.

Delaying the $2 million would result in preventing or delaying those 400 homes, Cohen said, and leaving rough, unresurfaced roads that will have to be repaved anyway.

"It will also prolong the existence of Sewer Commissioners," said Cohen. The board will dissolve when the project is over.

If the $2 million is approved at Town Meeting, the duration of a $68 capital charge on sewer bills will be extended for another year to 2030.

Town Meeting is at 7:30 p.m.