Voters in Hinesburg will consider a $1.5 million bond vote in addition to making candidate decisions on Election Day. The bond would finance upgrades to the village water system, including two new wells and a pump house and filtration system.
A notice of public hearings on the project states:
The proposed $1,500,000 bond is for the acquisition of two new wells, construction of the necessary water supply and treatment infrastructure, and connection to the existing water distribution system. The two new wells are located on the Wainer property (accessed off of Shelburne Falls Road), and would replace the existing wells as the primary water supply for water system users in the village area.
A pamphletthe town created about the project explains that the two wells currently supplying the water system are not meeting demand. In addition, it states that the current water sources contain hard water minerals and traces of MTBE, indicating gasoline contamination in the vicinity of the wells.
The proposed project includes construction of a water treatment facility that would soften water coming from the new wells and remove iron and manganese. The stronger flow of the new wells would also allow for a short-term expansion of the water system.
If the project is approved, the bond would be repaid over 20 years with system user fees. The town says Hinesburg's tax rate will not be affected.
Two more public informational meetings on the project are scheduled before the Nov. 4 vote. The meetings will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hinesburg Town Hall on Oct. 20 and Nov. 3.