SACO (AP) – Voters in the neighboring cities of Biddeford and Saco will have more than state issues to consider when they go to the polls Nov. 8. The future of a trash-to-energy plant whose presence is seen by many as a health threat and economic albatross will be in play.

Voters will be asked if their respective cities should borrow as much as $10 million each for a possible buyout of the Maine Energy Recovery Co. incinerator in Biddeford. MERC’s owners, Casella Waste Systems of Vermont, have agreed to sell the plant for $28 million if the payment is received in 2006.

The $10 million buyout, with a 10-year transition period, is also contingent on the cities’ resolving all other outstanding issues with Casella. Rejection of the bond issues would end talks on MERC’s closing.

The remaining $8 million could come from any of a variety of other sources, including the federal and state governments, surcharges on new landfills, statewide fees on solid waste and bonds, according to a task force appointed by Gov. John Baldacci to help the cities deal with the MERC issue. The task force held its latest meeting in Saco on Monday.

Many area residents say the continued operation of the trash-burning facility, which opened in 1987, presents health and environmental risks. Others say odors from the plant and trash trucks hauling in waste discourages new businesses from locating there.

Baldacci has said he will work with the two cities to have MERC close down.

MERC is one of several major solid-waste issues coming to the forefront in Maine, said Commissioner Dawn Gallagher of the state Department of Environmental Protection, who heads the MERC task force.

The Casella company and Lewiston have been attempting to negotiate a contract to significantly expand the city’s landfill, said Gallagher. Casella also has applied to the DEP to expand the Hampden landfill.

In addition, three biomass burners have applied to the DEP for permission to burn construction debris, Gallagher said.

Maine’s statewide ballot Nov. 8 includes questions on whether to repeal Maine’s gay rights law and to adopt a constitutional amendment allowing more favorable tax treatment for owners of waterfront property used for commercial fishing activities. In addition, there are bond issues in an $83 million package.

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