Town of Seekonk – Proposition 2 ½ Debt Exclusion Information

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep the community informed ahead of the Annual Town Election on April 7, the Town of Seekonk is providing the following details regarding a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion question on the ballot. This measure pertains to the Town’s share of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District’s $183 million bond issuance.

Background on the Tri-County School Building Project
On October 24, 2023, voters in the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District approved a $286 million project to construct a new high school, with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) reimbursing approximately 36% of the total project costs.

This new facility is necessary to replace the existing building, which was constructed in 1977 and no longer meets modern technical education standards or current accessibility requirements.

Seekonk is one of 11 sending communities in the Tri-County school district, with 83 students currently enrolled. Based on this enrollment, Seekonk is responsible for 8.8% of the project's debt, amounting to approximately $28.8 million over the duration of the bond repayment.

What Is a Debt Exclusion?
A debt exclusion allows a community to temporarily exceed the tax levy cap established under Proposition 2 ½ for the life of the borrowing. Approval of this measure would enable the Town to fund its share of the project costs without impacting essential municipal services and staffing in future operating budgets.

What Happens If the Debt Exclusion Does Not Pass?
The Town is legally obligated to contribute its share of the Tri-County School Building Project costs, as approved in the districtwide vote. If the debt exclusion is not approved, Seekonk would need to absorb the payments within the existing tax levy, significantly reducing available funds for municipal operations, services, and other town projects.

Election Information
The Annual Town Election will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Seekonk High School.

Early Voting Schedule:
• Monday, March 31 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 1 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 2 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, April 3 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 4 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For additional information, please refer to the Town’s website at www.seekonk-ma.gov