ATHOL — Voters at the annual Town Election on Monday approved a pair of debt exclusion questions that will allow major improvements at Athol High School and fund the replacement of the Exchange Street Bridge.
The high school repairs to the roof, windows, doors and heating systems passed with a 251-67 vote. This will permit the town to exclude the $10 million total project from the limits of Proposition 2½. The Athol-Royalston Regional School District will manage the project and assess the towns their respective costs following a 79.54 percent grant through the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerated Repair Program.
The bridge reconstruction, replacement of the Department of Public Works’ highway barn roof, and reconstruction and extending sidewalks to the middle and elementary school campus on Pleasant Street was passed by a 215-103 vote and will exclude $3.45 million of cost from Proposition 2½.
“The decision by voters to support long-deferred infrastructure, capital and school district improvements is another example of how the community of Athol continues to advance its mid- and long-term community and economic health,” said Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski. “The bridge replacement is overdue and completing it now will ensure access across the Millers River for our first responders and residents for generations to come.
“Communities that have quality education systems, strong public safety and well-maintained infrastructure are desirable locations that attract private-sector investment,” he said. “I believe Athol and the North Quabbin region are reaping the benefits of years of hard work by many others to improve local institutions and attract private development. Now we’ll roll up our sleeves and get these projects done.”
Voters at a March 5 special town meeting overwhelmingly authorized the borrowing for the projects. Ballot box approval was required to ratify the Town Meeting action and allow the debt to be exempt from the tax levy limitations of Proposition 2½.
The borrowing, when issued, is estimated to add 98 cents to the tax rate in Fiscal 2018 dollars. This impact is to be offset by a $1.06 reduction in the rate due to the payoff of the library expansion project. Suhoski added that unrelated repairs to a town water main structure damaged by ice flows are nearly complete. He said he expects the bridge will re-open to vehicular traffic by the end of this week.
There was a 4.75 percent turnout at this year’s annual Town Election — 319 of the town’s 6,789 registered voters showed up this week to decide not only numerous positions, but the two questions concerning spending.
Voters chose incumbent Lawrence P. McLaughlin as moderator with 288 votes, while Lee Chauvette will serve another three years on the Selectboard having received 262 votes.
Joao M. Baptista and Deborah B. Kusmeskas will serve as Athol representatives on the School Committee for the next three years. Baptista received 228 votes and Kuzmeskus received 257.
Kenneth A. Vaidulas will serve on the School Committee for one year. He received 284 votes.
Carla B. Rabinowitz received 255 votes to put her back on the School Committee as the representative from Royalston for three years.
Library trustees will be Francis W. Foster and Christine A. Miranda, and constable will be Kenneth A. Vaidulas.