Mayor Kay to Ask for $18.5 Million Debt Exclusion

Weymouth Mayor Susan Kay will issue a formal request to the town council on March 16, asking them to allow residents to vote on a temporary debt exclusion to fund $18.5 million in capital projects.

Kay made the announcement on Monday during a presentation to the Weymouth Town Council.

“I am asking you to work with me to place this request before the voters of the town of Weymouth,” Kay said. “I believe the voters will make the decision.”

If approved by at least two-thirds of the councils, a public hearing would need to be held before the vote. Kay said she is aiming to have a special election by the end of June.

The debt exclusion would see taxpayers paying an additional $71.29 a year for 15 years on average. The first year of the exclusion would start with an average of $86.41 before decreasing to $56.17 by 3030. Families would pay an average of just over $1,000 and maintain the lowest single family tax bill in Norfolk County.

Six items would be covered by the $18.5 million; ranging from fire station repairs to field and playground work.

The bulk of the funds would go to an $11 million project to completely renovate Lovell Field and Playground. The renovation would include field turfs, paths, basketball courts, a skate park, playground and lights. Kay said the turf fields could be used to attract tournaments and provide revenue for facility upkeep.

Other needs listed by Kay include $3 million for North Weymouth Fire Station 1 for structural repair, ramps, larger bays for ladder trucks, and female living quarters; $1.35 million to repair the roof, gym floor, and central AC at the McCulloch building; $1.65 million to replace the boilers at the Adams Middle School and Wessagusset Primary School; $600,000 to repair the Ralph Talbot Memorial Wall; and $900,000 for various repairs at the Emery Estate.