A $1.9 million dollar upgrade for Marion’s wastewater treatment plant was approved by Marion voters late Monday night, despite a tangible sense of reluctance in the audience.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson explained to the audience at large that the $1.9 million is not intended necessarily to meet new permitting requirements, but to replace worn parts of the plant and extend its natural life. He did note that the upgrades will be fully compatible with any future work needed to meet permitting requirements.

The questions came quickly and gave no hint of letting up. Marion resident Andrew Santos asked Dawson what the expected cost of sewer and water bills for residents connected to the town’s system would be with the proposed bill.

“I couldn’t say at this point,” Dawson said, “although we’re doing our best to spread the cost out evenly over the years.” He added that the increased sewer and water bill amounts are not gathered from a base payment and then split over a certain number of households.

Instead, the cost will be shouldered by those who use the town resources the most. Those on town water who want to keep their lawn green might be looking at paying a little extra for that luxury.

Several residents were frustrated that the entire town was able to vote on something that would only affect people hooked into town water and sewer lines.

Resident Diane Cook pointed out that the number of households on town sewer and water is roughly 1600 households. “Imagining that there are about three people to a household, that’s 4,800 people,” she said. “How many people are there in the town?”

She was told that Marion's population is under 5,000 people. However Daniel pointed out that one-third of the people in her theory are children. “Which one of my kids do I ask to pay for this?”

When asked if the upgrades were just something the town would have to deal with, Dawson simply replied, “Yes.”