Town approves $991,421 stormwater appropriation to fund inspections, repairs and MS4 compliance

Concord voters approved Article 41, appropriating $991,421 from the stormwater enterprise fund for necessary stormwater expenditures in fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The presenter outlined that the town has established a stormwater utility and billed fees; nonresidential properties are projected to contribute roughly $600,000 of anticipated revenue. Funds will be used for infrastructure repairs (culverts, catch basins, pipework), inspections, an asset management system and design work to reduce phosphorus; the presentation cited roughly $100,000 for design of phosphorus‑reduction projects as an example of consultant costs.

"We are now looking to expend monies that are coming into the fund through the annual town meeting," the presenter told the meeting, emphasizing the need to protect natural resources, meet MS4 (EPA) regulatory obligations and avoid costly emergency repairs. He also said all properties with impervious cover — including institutions and tax‑exempt properties such as schools — are assessed the fee.

Residents asked about prioritization, consultant costs and whether the utility will shift toward in‑house engineering over time; the presenter said the goal is to move work from consultants to in‑house capacity as the utility matures, while initial years require technical support.

The moderator then called for a vote by paper slips; results in both locations were reported as unanimous, and Article 41 was declared passed.