Council Sends Project Totaling $27.37M to Referendum

Calling it a historic decision, Middletown's Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to send to referendum two projects totaling $27.37 million.

The first referendum question, which will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot, would be a $13.2 million payment to join the Mattabassett Sewer District; the second is a $14.1 million upgrade of city roads and sidewalks.

According to the city charter, any bond appropriation approved by the Common Council which exceeds $750,000 must go to referendum.

The most discussion, public and Common Council, was by far on the sewer district membership.

"The city has spoken, I believe, in one voice," said Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano. "Nothing bad can happen by seeing this effort through to its conclusion, only good thing can come as a result, environmental, economic, in terms of quality of life — and this is really just the first step."

The mayor continued. "This bond is the buy-in. The Mattabassett District has value. $13 million represents our share of the exigent value."

Here's how they voted:

• $300,000 Capitol Theater Building demolition using funds from the general fund — Council unanimously approved the motion.
• $13,200,000 City membership in Mattabassett District using bonds of the city — Council adopted unanimously.
• $14,170,000 in bonds for 2011 road, sidewalk and public works facilities improvement program — Council unanimously approved.

Editor's note: A more detailed article will follow.

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