City of Groton Public Hearing and Mayor and Council - 10/19/26

The City of Groton Mayor and Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on October 19, 2026, focused on proposed bond financing for municipal and utility capital improvements. The city proposed $6 million for municipal building roof reinforcement and replacement, facility repairs and rehabilitation, hazardous-material abatement, and fire department needs, including approximately $235,000 for a Company 2 roof. Groton Utilities proposed $43.53 million in bonds: $24 million for electric-system and facility improvements, $9.03 million for wastewater-treatment upgrades, and $10.5 million for water-system improvements. Together, the proposals total $49.53 million. Residents raised concerns about long-term interest costs and asked the council to explain why pay-as-you-go financing was not feasible; officials cited the urgency of deferred repairs and said project information was available publicly.

The council unanimously approved the bonding resolutions and initial ordinances presented, including the $6 million municipal package and the three utility bond programs. The utility ordinances require further consideration, and the bond proposals are scheduled for a December 7, 2026 special City Meeting (Freeman’s Meeting) for public consideration; the electric bond ordinance is also scheduled for a second reading on November 16. The council separately accepted a $12,000 Emergency Management Performance Grant and a $250 donation from Chelsea Groton Bank for the Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Festival.