KINGSTON - November 15 - Kingston voters approved the debt exclusion for the $1.6 million elementary school roof replacement project, with the measure passing 294-224 (56.8% to 43.2%) in Saturday’s special election.
Turnout reached 518 voters across the town’s four precincts. Precinct 2 saw the strongest support with 96 YES votes to 64 NO votes, while Precinct 1 narrowly rejected the measure 54-51.
The debt exclusion allows the town to borrow $1,591,856 for partial roof replacement at Kingston Elementary School, with the Massachusetts School Building Authority reimbursing approximately 53% of the project cost.
The debt exclusion will result in a temporary tax increase for property owners until the bond is paid off. The net local cost after the state grant is approximately $750,000.
The project addresses only part of the elementary school’s deteriorating roof - the portion that qualified for state funding because it exceeded 25 years of age. The remaining roof will likely require replacement in future years.