Mason officials report misdirected vendor payments and rising gas losses; residents press for pothole repairs

Interim Town Administrator Terry Leggett reported a finance problem dating to April: two payments of $55,000 and $5,000 intended for Civil & Environmental Consultants (CEC) were sent to an account tied to a newly registered domain and routed to Minnesota instead of the vendor—s expected Pennsylvania account. Leggett said an attempt to reverse the transfers began April 8 and that the town faces roughly a $60,000 shortfall that must be resolved before the end of the related grant period. He said he will meet with Public Entity Partners in the coming weeks to address the shortfall.

Public Works Director Matalee Hall updated the board on meter replacement work and gas losses. Hall said the department is installing "no-read" meters and averages about 15 installations per day with about 380 still to go. Leggett said the town is losing 20—22% of gas supply, costing more than $10,000 per month, and that staff may pursue grants to replace aging meters.

During public comments Margaret Adams urged the town to repair potholes on Brookside Avenue. Mayor Eddie Noeman outlined two options: request FEMA repairs by Aug. 31, 2026, or have the town make repairs and seek reimbursement of roughly $130,000; Adams said the problem is worsening and asked the board to act promptly. Michael Harris raised concerns about a single entrance to a subdivision and asked whether the junkyard ordinance applied; Chief Richard Jewell said Mason Manor has a similar single-access configuration.

Board members said they will investigate the misdirected payments and report back with options for covering the shortfall and for pursuing meter grants. No formal vote was taken on these items during the meeting.