Oak Bluffs voters sped through a two-article special town meeting in less than 10 minutes Tuesday evening. 

Both articles on the warrant were sought to reapprove spending items that were originally passed in 2022. 

The first article, which was passed with no discussion, reaffirmed the town’s appropriation of $6.9 million to repair erosion along the bluffs in East Chop and increase accessibility in the area. The erosion has caused a road closure in the area, which impedes emergency response and limits recreational access.

The second article on the warrant reapproved $26 million for wastewater treatment facility upgrades. The upgrades will help address the town’s concerns about nitrogen contamination and increase the sewer system’s capacity. The article also was passed without discussion.

The two projects were receiving funding from debt exclusions, so both had to be passed at town meeting and on the ballot. 

Under state law, the town was supposed to hold the ballot votes by Sept. 15 following approval at the 2022 town meeting. The vote approving the East Chop project was on the ballot during last year’s annual town election, and the vote approving the wastewater facility upgrades was held during the state election in November. 

The late votes rendered the approvals null and void until the special town meeting held this week, so project spending can move forward. 

According to town administrator Deborah Potter, if the articles had not been approved Tuesday, Oak Bluffs would have had to work out a plan with town counsel to find a way to move forward.

Moderator Jack Law opened the special town meeting just after 7 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs Elementary School. A moment of silence was held to honor the late town attorney Ron Rappaport.