An Act to Increase the Debt Limit of the Vinalhaven Water District
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 2234
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology
Sponsors: EATON

Legislative Document
No. 2234
H.P. 1510
House of Representatives, March 12, 2026
An Act to Increase the Debt Limit of the Vinalhaven Water District
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative EATON of Deer Isle.  (GOVERNOR'S BILL)
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, a new water main is needed to allow the Vinalhaven Water District to 
protect the health of residents served by the district; and
Whereas, other improvements in the water system are urgently needed to bring the 
district into compliance with state standards; and
Whereas, the needed funds to complete these projects would exceed the current 
borrowing capacity of the district; and
Whereas, the district needs an immediate increase in its borrowing authority in order 
to timely schedule the needed improvements; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. P&SL 1977, c. 99, §12, as repealed and replaced by P&SL 2001, c. 21, §5, 
is amended to read:
Sec. 12. Debt limit. For accomplishing the purposes of this Act, and for any other 
expenses that may be necessary for the carrying out of those purposes, the district, through 
its trustees, is authorized to borrow money temporarily and to issue for the money its 
negotiable notes; and for the purpose of renewing and refunding the indebtedness created, 
of paying any necessary expenses and liabilities incurred under the provisions of this Act, 
including organizational and other necessary expenses and liabilities, whether incurred by 
the district or the municipality, the district being authorized to reimburse the municipality 
for any such expenses incurred by it, and in acquiring properties, paying damages, laying 
pipes, mains, aqueducts and conduits, constructing, maintaining and operating a water plant 
or system and making renewals, additions, extensions and improvements to the same, and 
to cover interest payments during the period of construction, the district, through its 
trustees, is also authorized to issue, from time to time, bonds, notes or other evidences of 
indebtedness of the district in one series or in separate series and to make subsequent 
renewals of the bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, the amount or amounts, 
not exceeding the sum of $1,500,000 $4,000,000 outstanding at any one time, bearing 
interest at such rate or rates, and having such terms and provisions as the trustees determine; 
except that, in the case of a vote by the trustees to authorize bonds or notes to pay for the 
acquisition of property, for the cost of a water system or part of a water system, for renewal 
or additions or for other improvements in the nature of capital costs, the estimated cost of 
which, singly or in the aggregate included in any one financing is $30,000 or more, or for 
renewing or refunding existing indebtedness, notice of the proposed debt and of the general 
purpose or purposes for which it was authorized must be given by the clerk by publication 
at least once in a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Vinalhaven.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the district, through its trustees, 
may issue bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in amounts exceeding 
$1,500,000 $4,000,000 at any one time if a greater debt limit is established by referendum 
in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 6413. The district may 
not have outstanding at any one time bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in 
amounts exceeding any debt limit established by referendum in accordance with Title 35-A, 
section 6413.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill increases the debt limit of the Vinalhaven Water District from $1,500,000 to 
$4,000,000.