Augusta City voters will decide on a $5.5 million bond package for various capital improvement projects in a referendum on November 5. The package includes funding for projects such as repairs within cemeteries, firefighting gear, and the reconstruction of Church Hill Road. Critics argue that the all-or-nothing format of the voting process limits residents’ choices as they cannot vote on individual projects within the package.
Resident Jordan Brandt voiced concerns over the process, suggesting that each project should be voted on separately to give voters more flexibility. However, city officials defended the current process, stating that it has been used for decades and meets legal requirements for municipal borrowing proposals.
While some councilors expressed a desire to reconsider the process for future bond referendums, the $5.5 million bond package was unanimously approved to go to voters in one question on the ballot. City Manager Jared Mills emphasized the importance of moving forward with crucial projects included in the package.
The bond package includes funding for a variety of projects such as cardiac monitor upgrades, road repairs, park improvements, and renovations at the Augusta Civic Center. City officials plan to provide more information on social media about each project funded by the bond package.
Councilors and residents agree that the current format of the bond referendum process should be reevaluated before future votes, with suggestions for more transparency and flexibility in decision-making. Despite criticism, the $5.5 million bond package will be up for approval by Augusta residents on November 5.
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