Tifton Town Council urged to rescind water resolution amid infrastructure concerns

The Tiverton Town Council meeting held on March 24, 2025, was marked by significant discussions surrounding the controversial resolution 2025-6, which requests legislative action regarding the town's water districts and authorities. The meeting began with a public appeal urging the council to rescind this resolution, citing concerns over insufficient consultation and potential risks to the town's infrastructure.

A key point raised during the meeting was the premature passage of the resolution, despite requests from local officials, including Patricia Hilton from the Tiverton Planning Board and Ashley Sweet, Senior Planner for Western Sampson, to await the results of the Stonebridge Water Department's hydraulic model. Public concerns, notably from NF NTFD General Manager Paul LaRue, were reportedly overlooked, with critics arguing that merging the water districts could divert essential resources from maintaining existing infrastructure.

Council member Deb Jenix expressed skepticism about the resolution's rationale, highlighting a lack of critical information and consultation with the North Tiverton and Stonebridge Water Departments. This oversight raised questions about transparency and civility within the council. Additionally, a conflict of interest was noted, as Council President John Edwards recused himself from the vote due to his familial ties to a Stonebridge Board member. The resolution ultimately passed with a narrow vote of three to two, with Council member Denise Demidaris absent.

Following the resolution's passage, Representative Jay Edwards, who is also John Edwards' father, demanded extensive documentation from the North Tiverton Fire District to expedite his legislative efforts. Critics accused him of dismissing the legitimate concerns of NTFD customers and board members. Representative Edwards defended the resolution by suggesting it would simplify water access for new developments, yet when confronted with the reality that merging the districts would not increase overall water capacity, he reportedly dismissed the issue, suggesting it would be a problem for future leaders to address.

The meeting concluded with a sense of unease regarding the long-term implications of the council's decisions on the town's water infrastructure and the well-being of its residents. The discussions highlighted the need for greater transparency and consideration of public concerns in future legislative actions.