Falmouth voters will have the chance next month to weigh in on two local referendum questions — one to repeal a new pesticide and fertilizer ordinance and another to approve a $13.7 million bond to expand the town’s public works facilities.
The first of these two questions stems from a new set of local regulations that went into effect earlier this year restricting the use of pesticides and fertilizer throughout the town.
Under this ordinance, no type of pesticide may be used within 75 feet of a body of water or within 20 feet of a storm drain.
All neonicotinoids — a class of neuro-active insecticides whose chemical makeup resembles that of nicotine — are barred from use anywhere in the town by the ordinance.
Those caring for outdoor spaces are currently limited to using non-synthetic pesticides that have not been prohibited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as synthetic pesticides that have specifically been allowed by the federal authorities.
There are handful of exemptions to these rules — aside from the ban on neonicotinoids — such as for commercial agriculture, rodent control, and tick and mosquito control.
Certain types of facilities, including some athletic fields and golf courses, are also exempt from these regulations.
Fertilizers are also restricted under this ordinance, as both synthetic and non-synthetic fertilizers are prohibited from being applied near bodies of water and storm drains.
Only water-soluble fertilizer may be used on property located between 75 feet and 250 feet of a body of water.
The ordinance also provides specific guidelines for the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus.
Fertilizers may not be applied outdoors from December 1 through March 31.
Click Here for More Information on Falmouth’s Current Ordinance
Residents urging voters to reject Question 1 and keep Falmouth’s new ordinance on the books have argued that the town’s new rules were years in the making and serve to help “protect” children, pets, and the environment.
Supporters of Question 1, on the other hand, have said that there is “no scientific basis” for the new regulations and “illogically” exempts certain facilities, such as town and school athletic fields and golf courses.
A “Yes” vote on Falmouth’s Question 1 would repeal the new ordinance, while a “No” vote would leave the ordinance in place.
Question 2 on the ballot in Falmouth asks residents if they would like to approve a nearly $14 million bond to cover the cost of upgrading and expanding the town’s public works facility.
Assuming a thirty-year term for the bond with a 3.75 percent interest rate, the total cost of the bond is estimated to be just over $22 million.
It will be indicated on the ballot itself that the Falmouth Town Council recommends the bond’s approval.
Contemporaneous reporting from the Portland Press Herald indicates that the Town Council has unanimously expressed support for the bond.
Under the town charter, any bond valued over $2 million must be approved by residents at the ballot box before it can proceed.
Reporting suggests that after three years, property tax payers can expect to see a bump in their annual bill if this project is approved. More specifically, it has been estimated that taxes on a home valued at $850,000 would see a $161.50 hike three years into the bond’s life.
Click Here to View a Sample Ballot for Falmouth
Falmouth residents are able to cast their ballots and, if necessary, register to vote anytime between now and Election Day, November 4th.
Absentee ballots may be requested any time between now and Election Day and must be returned by 8pm on November 4th without exception.
To request a ballot, voters may call the Clerk’s Department at (207) 699-5320, go in person to the Falmouth Town Hall, or online through the Absentee Ballot Request Service.
The Falmouth Town Hall is open Mondays from 7am to 4:30pm and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8am to 4:30pm.
[RELATED: How Can Mainers Register to Vote Ahead of the November 4th Election?]
Voters returning an absentee ballot may use the official ballot drop box located outside of the Town Hall at any time or bring the ballot Clerk’s Department located in the Town Hall during regular business hours.
Ballots may also be returned by mail, but Falmouth cautions voters to leave enough time for the town to receive it, as ballots are not accepted by postmark date and will not be processed if they are received after 8pm on Election Day.
On Election Day, polls will be open for Falmouth residents Polls are open on Election Day at the Falmouth High School Gym, located at 74 Woodville Road, from 7am to 8pm.
