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Selectmen back borrowing for Norwood water tank replacement and discuss impact on other water projects
Summary
The board voted unanimously to place and support an article that would allow $3.5 million in borrowing for design and replacement of two aging water tanks; members discussed delaying water-line lining work to smooth rate impacts.
The Board of Selectments voted unanimously April 15 to place on the special town meeting warrant, and to support, an article authorizing the borrowing of $3,500,000 for water tank design and replacement.
Selectmen discussed lifecycle options and alternatives. Mister Donaway, who held the article for discussion, asked whether the extra $3.5 million would require pausing the previously planned water-line-lining project. Town staff answered that because project costs have increased, it is likely the town would delay water-line lining an additional year (possibly a third year overall) to smooth debt service and reduce the immediate rate impact on customers.
Officials said one tank was built in the 1950s and the other in the 1930s. Staff explained they had evaluated relining and other options and concluded that, over a homeowner's expected lifetime, replacement is the least expensive long-term option. The town noted the project originally contemplated SRF (State Revolving Fund) financing but that rising costs have changed planning assumptions.
Motion: Mister Grama moved to add the article to the warrant and to support it; Mister Glasgow seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Selectmen clarified that the replacement is not expected to add significant capacity: "Not much. We don't really need more capacity than we currently have to maintain the pressurizing, pressure on the system," a member said. The board also discussed procedural details about borrowing and about communicating the impact on rates and timing to residents.
Background: The article will appear on the special town meeting warrant; the board asked staff to confirm borrowing terms and schedule so that rate impacts can be managed during construction and subsequent debt service.
