EARLVILLE – The Village of Earlville is moving forward with a capital project to update its municipal water system, a project that will cost $3.09 million. Some village residents are upset that the board seems to be proceeding without putting the project up for a public vote.

On Monday night, the Earlville Village Board voted to approve a resolution to secure bonding for the water project, with three consenting votes. Trustee Kim Boomhower was not at the meeting due to a leave of absence.

The next village board meeting on Aug. 27 will include a public hearing and a special meeting to follow. At the meeting, the board may pass a resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds for a capital water improvement project pending a period of permissive referendum.

Last month, the Earlville Board held a public meeting about the water project, and Mayor Toni Campbell had discussed options for the referendum. Normally with a capital project, the plan is put out to a public vote, and eligible voters decide whether or not they want to proceed with the project. Campbell also mentioned a permissive referendum. Using this option, the village would obtain bond counsel, and then village residents would have 30 days to submit a petition for a public referendum.