Andover To Vote On Pension, School Debt Exclusions June 15

ANDOVER, MA — Andover residents will go to the polls Tuesday, June 15 for a second vote on two borrowing proposals approved at the annual town meeting Saturday.

Meeting attendees approved issuing of $146-175 million in pension obligation bonds to cover the town's unfunded retirement liability. The meeting also approved borrowing $114 million for a new Pre-K to Grade 5 school on the site of the current West Elementary School.

The two projects combine to form the "integrated financing plan" proposed by town officials.

Town officials estimate paying for the unfunded retirement liability through the bonds will save nearly $80 million over 18 years relative to the current funding schedule. They would only be issued if interest rates remain low.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority has agreed to fund $38 million of the total $152 million West Elementary project cost.

The projects will have a tax impact larger than is usually permitted under state law under Proposition 2½, so they require a majority vote in a special town election.

The special town election will be from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 15. You can apply for a mail-in ballot until Wednesday at 5 p.m. The application is available here or at the town offices.

Look up your voting precinct here.

Polling locations:

• Precincts 1 and 3: Youth Center on Whittier Court
• Precincts 2, 7, 7A, 8 and 9: Andover High School Field House on Shawsheen Road
• Precincts 4, 5 and 6: Wood Hill Middle School

More information on voting procedures, coronavirus precautions and more is available here. Check your voter registration status here or by calling the Town Clerk's Office at 978-623-8230.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.