Athol Approves Bond

Athol voters have overwhelmingly approved a $70,000 bond to improve the city’s water pressure and storage.

City officials said 78 people voted for the bond, 7 people against it. One ballot was tossed out because both boxes were checked, officials said.

The bond will not cost taxpayers any more money, according to Mayor Jean Hill. The City Council in January raised water fees to cover the bond payments.

Voters needed to approve the bond, however, in order for the city to receive a $330,000 state grant.

The money is part of a $667,000 project to boost the city’s feeble water pressure and build a 300,000-gallon reservoir for summer water demand and fighting fires. For some buildings, the city’s current water system didn’t meet even the minimum requirements for fighting fires.

Workers will also replace some of the city’s smaller water lines.