WPCA authorizes resolution of delinquent-billing claim with Middlesex Hospital after executive session

The Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority voted on March 3 to authorize a resolution to address a disputed delinquent-billing claim against Middlesex Hospital after discussing the matter in executive session.

Attorney Smith told the authority that the body had reviewed “the strengths and weaknesses of our potential claim against Middlesex Hospital for money that’s owed for delinquent water bills,” and that attorney–client privilege and a Freedom of Information Act exemption justified closing the meeting to the public for that discussion. After the body rose from executive session, members moved and seconded a motion to authorize resolution of the claim consistent with what had been discussed in private; the motion carried on a voice vote.

The vote followed a brief procedural amendment to move the executive session earlier in the agenda. The chair asked for the motion after Attorney Smith summarized the executive-session outcome and said the resolution language would need to be put on the record now that the body had returned to public session.

The action authorizes staff and counsel to proceed with the resolution described in executive session; the public record in the meeting does not include settlement terms, and no financial details were read into the record after the vote. Attorney Smith explained the legal basis for confidentiality but did not provide additional public specifics at the meeting.

The authority’s next procedural step on this item was not specified at the public meeting.