To the editor:
On Tuesday, June 12, 2012, the voters of the town of Houlton can make a positive impact on the economic development efforts of the town by voting to approve a capital commitment of up to $1,616,075 to expand sewer and water lines along North Street. Passage at the polls will allow us to take out a bond that will be used to pay for the project.
The proposed project is Phase II of a well-planned out, responsible growth and economic development package that has been unfolding in prudent steps since 2005. At that time, the area in town with the greatest growth potential was identified and the North Road Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) was created. Approved by the state, this TIF District allows the town to hold some of the new taxes generated since 2005 from new business expansion on the North Road for specific town uses, one of which is infrastructure improvement. It’s this incremental value gain that is financing the sewer and water expansion project. Phase I of the project was completed in 2011, extending sewer and water systems to a point just beyond Tractor Supply. Phase II will start there and continue to a point just before Currier Road.
Sewer and water service is critical to attract commercial development. Water is vital for commercial sprinkler systems. Commercial venues like restaurants, hotels and entertainment facilities would be impossible without sewer service. New development is good for the town. It creates services needed by the public and translates into new jobs and new taxable property that will result in a beneficial mill rate impact.
Doing the project now is important, too. There is sufficient funding coming into the North Road Infrastructure TIF Reserve Account to pay the debt service on this bond for the next twenty years, the anticipated length of the commitment. Moving forward now will let us take advantage of a favorable borrowing environment and we’ll not miss out on the summer construction season.
The Houlton Town Council and the Board of Budget Review believe this project is in the best interest of the town and recommend its approval. However, it’s up to the voters to decide. Voting will take place on Tuesday, June 12 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Gentle Memorial Building.
I strongly encourage you to come out and support this project. Your vote is needed and will make a difference.
Make an investment in the future of Houlton — vote “yes” on Question 1 to authorize the town to commit up to $1.616,075 in funds proposed to be borrowed to expand water and sewer lines on North Street.
Sue Tortello
Houlton
