Select Board approves modest increases to water and sewer connection fees and accepts lead‑line inventory grant

At a public hearing opened April 16, Water and Sewer Superintendent Jeff Chartier told the Select Board that the proposed updates would change connection and tap fees for new customers to reflect higher material costs while leaving water usage rates unchanged. Chartier said the typical fee change would be about $45 and that impact fees are charged per unit (for example, a duplex is charged for two units). He emphasized these changes apply only to new customers and do not affect existing ratepayers.

After the hearing, Select Board Vice Chair Scott Sanschagrin moved to approve the updated 2026 Water and Sewer Fees, effective April 1, 2026; the motion was seconded by Don Milbrand and carried 4‑0‑0.

Chartier also presented a Drinking Water Infrastructure (Lead Service Line Inventory) Grant of $30,000 that will fund a review of records, maps and tie cards and limited excavation to identify service‑line materials on both sides of curb stops. The Board approved a Certificate of Vote to accept the grant and authorized Chair Shaun Lagueux to sign.

Chartier outlined other department items for the Board's information, including a planned partial Central Street road closure May 11–12 to replace a hydrant leg following a winter main break, hydrant flushing, treatment‑plant sampling coordinated with NHDES following a prior oil spill, and a long‑vacant Chief Operator position that has been open about 18 months. He said recruitment challenges may require reevaluating the pay scale and staffing structure.

The board’s actions at the meeting included formal approval of the fee update and acceptance of the Drinking Water Infrastructure grant. Chartier said the department will notify affected property owners of the May hydrant replacement and coordinate detour and traffic control with police and local bus services.