Middletown board authorizes intermunicipal water and sewer agreement with Goshen

The Middletown board of estimate and apportionment voted to authorize an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Goshen to provide water and sewer services, approving terms that estimate 300,000 gallons per day and authorizing the mayor to sign. The voice vote was recorded as three "aye" responses and the motion carried.

The item arose as new business and was presented to the board as an agreement that would estimate 300,000 gallons per day of service. The presenter said the Town of Goshen must have access to water and sewer to complete formation of its water district and to obtain state approval. The presenter described the prior arrangement with a customer referred to as "Amy's" as having fallen through and said the Goshen agreement would pay the full amount where the prior arrangement had paid about half. "Amy's deal has gone south," the presenter said, adding, "This deal will be paying a 100%." The presenter estimated the arrangement could generate roughly $2.2 million per year when fully implemented.

During questioning, a council member asked whether the agreement was annual or longer term. The presenter said the commitment is long-term — described in the discussion as about 40 years — with contractual extension provisions "so the people are not ... shut off." A separate question raised whether 40,000 gallons intended for a state user were included; the presenter and staff said that 40,000 gallons would be provided under a separate agreement and is "over and above" the Goshen arrangement.

A staff member identified in the discussion as Jacob clarified infrastructure details: "The water meter is right at our sewage treatment plant," he said, describing the master meter location near Dawson Avenue and confirming that the Amy's tap is at that same point. Kevin, another participant, noted the physical lines are already in place and said the Goshen district will be purchasing those lines from Amy's at Amy's expense.

The resolution the board approved authorized entering the agreement with the Town of Goshen for water and sewer services (estimated at 300,000 gallons per day) and authorized the mayor to sign; presenters said the item would also proceed to the full council for final action. The board recorded three "aye" votes and the meeting adjourned.

Next procedural steps: the presenters stated the intermunicipal agreement is listed on the council agenda for further consideration and the mayor would sign once all approvals are complete.