With Orleans United Methodist Church as a backdrop, a Revoli Construction excavator forms its own steeple on Main Street. First-phase sewer main work in the downtown area was completed on the day town meeting voted to approve $4.2 million for further water quality work. The spending is subject to a debt exclusion vote May 15. ED MARONEY PHOTO
ORLEANS — Some of the promises made at this week's town meeting will have to be kept right away.
On Monday, voters said they wanted to spend $4.2 million to advance water quality projects, $450,000 to fund Other Post-Employment Benefits obligations, $275,000 to seed a new affordable housing trust, and $175,000 for a master plan to relocate facilities at Nauset Beach. Next Tuesday, they'll have to confirm those decisions by approving a mix of tax levy overrides and debt exclusions to pay for them.
The May 15 ballot features two general overrides (the OPEB and housing contributions) and three debt exclusions: water quality and Nauset Beach plus the town's share of the new Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, a project supported by voters at the Oct. 24 election. The ballot question about borrowing $775,000 to replace the Skaket Beach restrooms/administration building is no longer valid as the project was voted down by town meeting Monday night.
In addition to a question confirming a charter amendment to change the term of the town meeting moderator from one to three years, the ballot lists 10 offices up for election. All save one have a single candidate: moderator, selectman, board of health (two seats), Orleans Elementary School Committee, housing authority, and Snow Library trustee (three seats). The exception is the Nauset Regional School Committee seat, which drew no candidates; write-in votes will determine the people's choice.
The polls will be open at the senior center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 15.