📰BIDDEFORD | SEWER BOND (QUESTION 1)

JW Business Solutions LLC
Oct 9
2 min read

On November 4, Biddeford voters will be asked to weigh in on three referendum questions: a $20 million bond referendum for mandatory sewer infrastructure work, a $6 million bond referendum to support Recreation projects, and the establishment of a Charter Commission.

Question 1

Question 1 asks voters to approve a $20 million General Obligation Bond to complete mandatory separation of the City's storm and sanitary sewer systems.

Background

Biddeford’s original sewer system was a one-pipe system, meaning that the same pipe carries storm water and household wastewater from toilets, tubs and sinks. During heavy rains, the single pipe cannot handle the high volume of water, and as a result, untreated wastewater from our toilets overflows into water bodies such as the Saco River. The City's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) program creates a two-pipe system: one pipe that carries the household wastewater to the treatment plant and a separate pipe for carrying stormwater.

The City's ongoing CSO work is critical for keeping wastewater pollution out of our rivers and streams, reducing basement and yard flooding, and creating a safer and cleaner environment. In fact, it is so important that it is required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The projects that are set to be funded by this bond are outlined in the City's work agreement with the Maine DEP and must be completed to avoid significant fines ($30,000 per violation and $100 for each day that work is not completed). The estimated cost of the required work through 2036 is approximately $40,000,000. If voters reject this bond initiative, the projects will be funded out of property taxes, causing vast swings in the year-to-year mil rate.

Language

"Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $20,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Separating and Improving the City’s Storm and Sanitary Sewer Systems in accordance with the signed Administrative Consent Agreement with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection” be ratified and approved?"

A "yes" vote approves the bond. A "no" vote rejects the bond.