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West Swanzey selectmen direct formation of water-company committee, plan two‑year engagement
Summary
Selectmen discussed next steps after town meeting results on the private water company, agreed to recruit volunteers for a committee to research acquisition, funding options and a two‑year plan, and identified external contacts and consultants to assist.
Selectmen in West Swanzey agreed to form a volunteer committee to study the future of the town’s private water company and prepare funding options for a potential acquisition or other transition.
The board discussed outreach already under way: town consultant Alex Torpey has informed the water company and Underwood Engineering that the town is not applying for a USDA loan now, and staff have interviewed site and design consultants. Selectman (name not specified) said Joe D’Russo will formalize curb cuts and remove pavement next week, and architect Katie Sutherland has been asked to provide a schedule and a budget estimate for construction drawings.
Why it matters: the town faces timing and funding constraints tied to federal and state programs, tariff-related material price risk and expiring political support. Selectmen said they want a standing group to maintain continuity and preserve grant and outreach opportunities over the next two years.
Board members asked the committee to pursue funding options, keep the town’s TIF arrangement in mind and re-engage regional partners. Selectmen named potential external contacts to assist outreach and grant work: former U.S. Senator Jean Shaheen (support through the end of her term), Steve Fortier of the Northern Borders economic group, and regional economic development contacts. The board said Maggie (last name not specified) and others should also be contacted.
The board discussed timing: they lost a prior funding opportunity described in the meeting as “the 6.4 (40 percent forgivable)” and said the committee should examine alternate sources and prepare the town for any future USDA or other loan opportunity in roughly a two‑year window. Selectmen said they will compile a volunteer list and recruit community members; the town will advertise sign‑up opportunities at town hall and in the quarterly town newsletter.
Next steps: the board asked members to suggest committee candidates, directed staff to compile a contact/outreach list, and said the committee should present options and a funding plan for inclusion on a future warrant, potentially in 2026–2027.
