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Town updates: sewer rate talks with Pittsfield, DPW reports valve failure and schedule, budget outlook shows an 8% increase estimate
Summary
Town Administrator and department heads reported that Pittsfield seeks higher sewer rates prompting inter-municipal discussions via Dalton, DPW noted a valve failure at the treatment plant and uncertainty on a Chapter 90 grant, and the Finance Committee flagged an estimated 8% budget increase with the next budget meeting set for April 2.
Town Administrator Bob Graves told the Select Board the town is upgrading its website, has received 35 applications for the Conservation Agent position and is continuing work on the budget; the next budget meeting is scheduled for April 2.
Graves also said Pittsfield is seeking a significant increase to sewer rates under the inter-municipal sewer agreement; the town of Dalton is scheduled to meet Pittsfield's Director of Public Utilities next week and will report back on potential rate changes that could affect Hinsdale's sewer payments to Dalton.
Acting Police Chief Bruce Cullett said a 2019 Tahoe is ready to be advertised for sale on Municibid or other sites and that he is working with the town administrator on details of a union contract with officers.
DPW Superintendent Jamie Callahan reported another valve failure at the treatment plant and said the crew is focused on routine maintenance and winter equipment storage. Callahan said a Chapter 90 dirt roads grant decision may not be known until sometime in April because of a high volume of applicants; the Blacktop plant is expected to open the first week in May.
Finance Committee member Shaun Galliher said the town is awaiting figures for vocational, police and insurance costs and that the town is looking at an approximately 8% overall budget increase, with the school budget consuming roughly half of the town's budget.
Select Board Member Ray Huntoon said Conservation has been monitoring Plunkett reservoir, reporting low levels and that staff have been opening and closing a valve as conditions require. No formal board action was taken on these operational or budgetary items at the March 25 meeting.
