Debt Exclusion Might Be Needed for Bristol-Plymouth Project

Voters will be heading to the polls on January 29 to approve funding for a $300 Million building project for Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School.

“The town does not have the money to pay for this project,” Rehoboth Selectman Michael Deignan said Monday. “Based upon current enrollment, our annual assessment for this new building would be $550,000 a year which we do not have the capability of paying within the levy limit of the town.”

Deignan noted a debt exclusion, which is a temporary tax increase, would be needed to pay the town’s share.

The funding for the Bristol-Plymouth building project has to win a two-thirds vote from all of the member communities including Berkley, Bridgewater, Dighton, Middleborough, Raynham, Rehoboth and Taunton.

Even if the majority of Rehoboth voters reject the article, the funding could still be approved as long as a two-thirds vote is reached by the other towns.

Rehoboth taxpayers would be required to contribute to the project funding if the ballot item passed.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority recently provided authorization for a Project Funding Agreement for the Bristol-Plymouth project. The agreement includes reimbursement of 62.25 percent of eligible project costs up to a maximum reimbursement amount of $125, 569, 759 toward construction of a modern Bristol-Plymouth school facility. A multi-year feasibility study had been conducted.

Selectman George Solas is meeting with representatives of Bristol-Plymouth on December 14 to discuss the project. The discussion will be taped for later broadcast on Rehoboth Community Television.