Information About Proposition 2 1/2 Debt Exclusion for Road Work

The Town of Merrimac, the Department of Public Works, and DPW Director Robert Sinibaldi share the following information about a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion proposed to voters.

The Town is proposing a $5 million capital project to improve roadways and sidewalks across the community. Conditions have reached a critical stage in recent years due to a combination of factors.

The Town performed almost no road repairs from 2007 to 2014. This year’s road repair budget is $423,021, from a Town allocation of $100,000 plus Chapter 90 and state Fair Share revenues. This equates to about $10,000 per mile over the Town’s 40 miles of road.

Currently, restoring a road to meet all state requirements costs $700,000 per road mile. The Town anticipates this cost will rise in the future due to inflation and other economic factors outside its control.

A 2018 study commissioned by the Town highlighted the conditions of roadways and estimated an investment of $11 million was required to meet modern standards.

The Town believes a comprehensive, planned approach will improve driver and pedestrian safety, and contribute to an increase in property values. As a result, the Town is requesting permission to seek $5 million in 15-year bonds.

It is projected that this project will add $198 to the annual tax bill of the owner of a median-priced home, valued at $649,201. A debt exclusion is a temporary tax increase; if approved, the project spending will end following the 2041 Fiscal Year.

Voters will have two opportunities to vote:

• The request will appear as Article 3 on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Town Meeting convenes on Monday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Frederick N. Sweetsir School. The question needs two-thirds approval to pass.
• The request also appears as Question 3 on the Annual Town Election ballot. The Town Election will be held on Monday, May 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Merrimac Public Library.

The Town also reminds residents that it will host public information sessions on Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 23, both at 6 p.m. in Sargent Auditorium in Town Hall.