Water district update: pump station, testing costs and potential billing changes discussed
Summary
Select Board and water staff reviewed the water district connection project, a new pump station timeline, projected testing and operational costs, and the need for clerical support and clearer accounting into the water commission budget.
Water commissioners and staff updated the board on progress toward connecting additional properties to the town water system and on costs the Select Board should expect. Staff said the contractor planned to begin road work and pumping‑station work in the spring; the pump station chassis delivery is expected in the second quarter with a projected completion date of late in the year.
Board members and water staff discussed ongoing operating expenses the district will inherit: monthly or quarterly water testing, electric and propane for pumping stations, and increased customer‑billing and clerical needs once new hookups are live. Staff estimated an observed operating cost of roughly $42 per customer per month for operator charges in preliminary projections; exact customer counts and firm bids were still pending.
Officials emphasized the need to move certain operating charges into the water district accounting (electric bills for pump stations, testing and operator costs) rather than leaving them on town general accounts. The board suggested adding a water clerk line and contingency for emergency responses such as a water main break. Commissioners said they would ask the contractor and engineering team to avoid connecting new service taps until the new pump station is fully operational to ensure system capacity.
No final budget vote was taken; the Select Board asked staff to return with a revised budget that separates water district operational costs (electricity, testing, operator, clerk, emergency contingency) for advisory review and to document timing for construction and connection milestones.
