Council withholds payment on major Bracken invoice; agrees to split hydrant repair costs with private party

Cornish — The town council agreed to pay routine invoices at a meeting but decided to withhold a large contractor invoice (identified in discussion as invoice 7868) until contractor Bracken provides an itemized breakdown and the private party involved is billed for his share.

Unidentified Speaker S7 summarized an invoice package from Bracken that included a hydrant replacement and related labor and transport charges. S7 proposed the town split labor and transport costs 50/50 with Paul (the driver who struck the hydrant) while Paul would pay the hydrant parts and associated items. "I think he should definitely pay for his parts," S2 said.

Unidentified Speaker S4 cautioned the council based on past experience about paying on behalf of others without a guarantee of repayment. "I would suggest we don't pay that bill until we are in agreement and maybe get payment from Paul," S4 said, noting prior instances where the town remained out of pocket.

S1 moved to pay the bills with the exception of invoice 7868; the motion was seconded and the council proceeded to other business while directing staff to request a split and itemized charges from Bracken and to forward the portion attributable to Paul. No formal vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the motion to withhold 7868 was clearly proposed and implemented as the group proceeded with other agenda items.

Next steps: staff will request an itemized invoice from Bracken, split parts and labor as discussed and prepare an invoice or request to Paul for his share before releasing payment on invoice 7868.