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Select Board creates Watershed Management Financial Fairness Task Force, adds Select Board liaison
Summary
The board adopted a charging document for a Select Board-appointed Watershed Management Financial Fairness Task Force to study equitable cost-sharing for mandated watershed/nitrogen management approaches; members insisted on an early work plan and added a Select Board liaison role.
The Select Board voted on June 1 to create a Watershed Management Financial Fairness Task Force to advise the board and town manager on fair and equitable cost distributions stemming from Commonwealth‑mandated watershed management plans (including sewer hookup, I/A septic installation, and alternatives).
Town staff presented the draft charge noting that residents repeatedly voiced concern about the cost of measures such as innovative alternative (I/A) septic systems and sewer connections. The charge requires the task force to produce an initial work plan and expected outputs for Select Board approval within three months of convening so the board and task force remain aligned on objectives and timelines.
Board members debated membership and oversight. Several members recommended a Select Board liaison rather than a board member appointment; the board adopted that change, requested the committee include expertise in economics and ethics where possible, and emphasized the social‑science nature of the charge—finding equitable financial approaches rather than prescribing technical wastewater solutions.
Action: Board adopted the charge with revisions, including a Select Board liaison and a three‑month deadline for a task force work plan.
