Where it stands as of Tue, Aug 11
The town has moved forward with a $1 million zero-interest MWRA loan to connect dead-end water mains under the CSX railroad tracks along Presidential Drive and Fisher Road. Following prior Town Meeting authorization, the Select Board voted unanimously in August 2026 to substantiate the loan application, which is projected to save over $400,000 in interest costs while addressing water pressure and stagnation. Debt service is set to be repaid over approximately 10 years through water rates rather than the tax levy.
- For Select Board Voted unanimously on Aug 11 to authorize the $1 million MWRA interest-free loan application to connect the dead-end lines and reduce interest costs.
- Undecided Capital Improvement and Planning Committee Withheld a recommendation in March 2026 pending Town Meeting discussion regarding water rate impacts and Select Board deliberations.
Votes
| Date | Board | Motion | Result | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Board | Approve the vote of the Select Board to authorize the $1 million MWRA interest-free loan application for the Presidential Drive and Fisher Road waterline looping project. Presidential and Fisher Road waterline looping | Passedunanimous | 32:35 | |
| Select Board | Support Article 11 (water main looping borrowing authorization) on the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Presidential and Fisher Road waterline looping | Passed4-1-0 | 2:05:15 |
Every time it came up newest first
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MWRA loan approval for waterline looping project
The board voted to substantiate an application for an interest-free loan from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for the Presidential and Fisher Road waterline looping project. The project connects two dead-end water lines under the CSX railroad tracks to improve water pressure and reduce bacterial buildup. The loan is estimated to save the town over $400,000 in interest costs compared to traditional borrowing.
- $1,000,000 zero-interest loan from the MWRA.
- Connects dead-end water mains on Presidential Drive and Fisher Road under the CSX railroad.
- Project authorized by a previous Town Meeting vote.
Outcome: Approved the Select Board vote supporting the $1 million MWRA loan application.
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· Capital Improvement and Planning Committee
Town Meeting Article 11: MWRA zero-percent loan for Fisher/Presidential loop
The committee reviewed an approximately $1 million borrowing article through the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for a water main loop at Fisher Road and Presidential Drive to address water stagnation and pressure. Because of questions about water rate impacts and Select Board objections, the committee opted to withhold a recommendation until Town Meeting.
- Estimated cost is approximately $1 million via a zero-percent interest loan through the MWRA.
- Debt service would be repaid over roughly 10 years through water rates, not the tax levy.
- The committee deferred its recommendation to Town Meeting to clarify the background behind the Select Board's split vote.
Outcome: Committee will report its position at Town Meeting.