Union County's $28.8 million package of bonds for schools and public utility projects, which goes before voters Nov. 8, got a very mixed review recently at a meeting of Marshville's board of aldermen.
The education portion of the referendum -- $18 million for two new elementary schools and renovations to existing school buildings -- was strongly backed by Marshville Mayor Charles Harvey Griffin.
However, Griffin said he was dead set against the $7.5 million portion of the issue dedicated to sewers. The bonds would be used to help fund a sewage treatment plant on the Rocky RIver operated by the Union County and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department.
Union County is just southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city. Marshville is located in the southeast part of the county.
Griffin said he would oppose any sewer bonds as long as Marshville is considered only fourth on the list for county improvements. The city is also resisting joining a consolidated county-wide utility system.
Union County's public works director Mike Shalati replied that completion of the plant is expected in 1998, which would help spur the economy of the entire county. In addition, Shalafi said debt service on the bonds would be covered by user fees and would not require a tax increase.
The bond package also includes $2 million for recreational facilities, including parks, and $1.25 million for county community colleges. Each of the package's four portions will be Voted on separately.
