Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. Courtesy photo.
Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak on Tuesday was joined by Department Heads and City staff to outline the final bond requests going on the Town Meeting Day ballot following unanimous approval by the City Council at their January 27 meeting. If approved by voters, these bonds will support needed investments in critical City infrastructure. The Mayor also highlighted key information about how and where to vote on – or before - Town Meeting Day, March 4.
“If approved by voters, these three bonds will support needed investments in critical City infrastructure, ensuring Burlington continues to make progress on our goals to create a responsive community safety system, build ample and affordable housing, and build a climate resilient and vibrant City,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “The final language going to voters represents many hours of hard work by City staff, engaging community members and incorporating feedback into these bond proposals.”
“The unanimous approval of the City Council to place these bond measures on our ballot reflects our shared understanding of the City’s capital needs, and our commitment to ensure Burlington is a vibrant, livable, and resilient community,” said Council President Ben Traverse. “I look forward to continued conversations with residents about these critical investments and the need to balance them with affordability ahead of Town Meeting Day.”
WHAT’S ON THE TMD BALLOT?
- General Obligation Bond - $20M
- General obligation bond, requires 2/3 support of voters
- This bond will enable investments in core city infrastructure including replacing 30% of our aging fleet vehicle (fire trucks, police cruisers, snow plows), increasing traffic calming work to respond to about 75% of current community request, paving additional streets, rebuilding additional sidewalks, and upgrades to key Parks infrastructure.
- LAKE Bond - $152M
- Revenue bond, requires 50% support of voters
- This bond will fund a major generational overhaul of the Main Wastewater Treatment Plant – limiting preventable beach closures, further reducing our phosphorus pollution to the Lake (a key driver of cyanobacteria), meeting federal and state regulatory requirements and helping us meet future housing growth needs of the City estimated to be nearly 5,000 new housing units in the coming years.
- WATER Bond - $20M
- Revenue bond, requires 50% support of voters
- This bond will shore up critical parts of our drinking water supply network by building a new, modern high service pump station building and make key repairs to our reservoir which is the City’s emergency water storage and the water source for the pumps to draw off of and supply water to UVMMC – the region's only Level 1 trauma center. The remainder of the bond will go towards known high priority projects at the drinking water plant, last upgraded in 1984, and additional work on water mains.
Affordability and Equity
- Currently, Water Resources has a suite of affordability programs including discounts for low income individuals, seniors and non-profit housing organizations. There are also rebates for sewer lateral inspections, WaterSense fixtures and green stormwater (through BlueBTV). Planning is underway for expanded versions of current affordability and assistance programs. More info at https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/339/Assistance-Program.
- The infrastructure investments considered under the $20 million general obligation bond will be assessed on a number of factors, including community input, accessibility, equity, sustainability, and safety. Some of these projects will also be evaluated using an equity index tool, currently being developed by the Offices of City Planning and Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB).
Impact on Taxpayers and Ratepayers
- Ratepayer impact of the two Water Bonds: Based on current projections, we estimate that the typical single family household water bill could increase up to 89% overall between 2025 and 2030. This would occur over a series of annual increases.
- Taxpayer impact of the GO Bond: The maximum tax impact of this bond would be ~$12/month on a $500k home.
“The fleet investments included in this general obligation bond will support replacement of critical public safety vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and snow plows,” said Fire Chief Michael LaChance. “Waiting to make these critical orders will mean long delays in receiving vehicles, and higher costs for the City.”
"The WATER & LAKE bonds will support key resiliency projects to replace aged wastewater, stormwater and drinking water infrastructure to ensure these critical systems will continue to function 24/7/365," said Megan Moir, Division Director of Water Resources. "We have appreciated the Administration's guidance and the City Council's partnership in right-sizing these bonds and advancing the conversation on affordability."
TOWN MEETING DAY (TMD) INFO
- WHEN: TMD is Tuesday March 4, 2025
- VOTING BEFORE: Registered voters will be receiving their ballot in the mail during the week of February 10th. Fill this out, drop it in a drop box at any of the following locations by Monday, March 3:
- At City Hall Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until February 28th.
- On Monday, March 3rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- At a Ballot Drop Box located at:
- City Hall – Main Street side of the building across from the Flynn Theater
- Department of Public Works – 645 Pine Street
- Fire Station #2 – 132 North Avenue, rear of building
- Robert Miller Community Center – 130 Gosse Court
- Fire Station #3 – 20 Mansfield Avenue
- At City Hall Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- VOTING ON TMD: Visit your polling location on March 4th. More info is available at https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/986/Elections, including how to find your polling location.
- HOW TO REGISTER: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/195/Voter-Registration-Info
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
