Middletown Board approves renewal of H2O water and wastewater services contract over objections
Loading...
Summary
After a lengthy debate about cost, staffing and procurement, the Board of Estimate voted 2–1 Jan. 29 to renew the city’s contract with H2O for water and wastewater plant operations; critics urged putting services out to bid, citing an annual contract total of roughly $691,923.
The Middletown Board of Estimate voted 2–1 on Jan. 29 to renew contracts with H2O for operation and staffing at the city’s water and wastewater treatment plants, concluding a lengthy discussion about cost, staffing and procurement.
Board Chair introduced the resolution, noting the contract renewals continue 2025 pricing and include monthly fees for plant services and an hourly backfill rate. The motion was offered by Massey and seconded by Rodriguez. In the roll call that followed, Massey and Estefano voted in favor and Rodriguez voted no.
The debate centered on the contract’s cost and the arrangement’s effect on local water rates. One board member cited a yearly total of approximately $691,923 and said the expense contributes to rising water rates, urging the city to follow procurement policy and put the work out for competitive bid. “We’re paying this company $700,000 a year,” the member said, arguing the city should explore alternatives and consider whether city staff or reclassification of positions could lower costs.
City representatives and H2O defended the arrangement as a response to a shortage of licensed operators and the need for guaranteed, licensed coverage. They said H2O provides more than a single person: the company manages the plants, supplies licensed operators, performs paperwork and compliance tasks, and backfills positions for lengthy absences. Officials also said the $75 hourly figure for temporary coverage reflects the company’s inclusion of insurance, benefits and workers’ compensation costs.
Supporters warned that switching vendors or terminating the contract would require a substantial procurement process and careful legal and operational preparation because of public‑health and liability risks. The H2O representative summarized the contract’s line items as defined monthly fees for chief operators and additional operator coverage and said the proposal explicitly lists the staffing and cost lines for water and wastewater services.
After discussion, the chair called the question. The motion passed on roll call: Massey Aye; Rodriguez No; Estefano Yes.
Next steps: the city will proceed with the contract renewal as approved; board members requested follow‑up information on staffing levels, hourly utilization and the cost breakdown to inform future procurement decisions.
