Belmont council votes 3–1 to pursue $25 million transportation bond referendum, reviews 12 conceptual projects

At a lengthy presentation, city staff and consultants from Gannett Fleming and FirstAdvisers briefed the council on a recommended list of 12 conceptual transportation projects and financing scenarios and asked the council to set a bond amount for a potential referendum.

Michael Holder of Gannett Fleming told the council the project plans and cost estimates are conceptual and high level: "these project plans are conceptual in nature and the cost estimates are very high level estimates at this time," and emphasized the need to prioritize projects for safety and congestion relief across the city. The consultant package included cross‑sections, Right‑of‑Way and utility cost estimates, and an evaluation matrix ranking projects by pedestrian safety and congestion mitigation.

Project examples discussed included a new connector near Belmont Middle School (project 1) estimated at about $8.25 million (including utilities and right‑of‑way), intersection improvements at Keener and Kaba (revised estimate ~ $6.73 million after value engineering), and several multi‑use path and sidewalk projects (Park Street multi‑use path ~$1.7M; Perfection Avenue package ~$1.8M; Nixon Road segment ~$2.9M). Consultants noted estimates include conservative cushions for right‑of‑way and utility uncertainties.

FirstAdvisers walked the council through debt service and timing effects on the property tax rate, noting that state Local Government Commission disclosure rules require using a historical maximum interest rate (about 5.34%), even though current market rates might be closer to 3.5–3.75%. Using example scenarios, consultants showed issuing $20–$25 million in one tranche could require roughly seven cents on the property tax rate in the first year (at the higher disclosure rate) while staging issuances (e.g., $8.25M now, remainder later) reduces near‑term impact.

Council debate centered on which projects to prioritize, whether to include the Middle School connector, and whether to exhaust grant opportunities before asking voters. After discussion, Councilmember Jason moved and Councilmember Catherine seconded a motion to pursue a $25 million transportation bond referendum in November; the motion passed by a 3–1 vote. Staff was directed to proceed with the bond calendar and required disclosures.

Next steps: staff and bond counsel will prepare the referendum language, required LGC disclosures and public notices, and return to council with timeline items at the next meetings. Consultants encouraged pursuing grant opportunities and partnerships (county contributions, developer mitigation) to reduce the city’s net share.