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Resort and town spar over unpaid shuttle invoices as winter service is pared back
Summary
Resort operators told the select board they extended invoice due dates and expect payment for winter shuttle services rendered; the board said town-meeting funding was not approved and contract language referencing appropriation may limit payment obligations. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations to avoid legal costs.
Resort and town officials discussed an overdue shuttle bill and a plan to reduce shuttle service to weekends and holidays as the resort and Freedom Pass partners align offerings with the existing transportation budget.
The resort’s representative said the company had extended invoice due dates at the town’s request so services rendered in January–March would be paid, and that it expects payment for those services. "If you expected to not hold to your a good faith promise to pay for the services that were provided, then that should have been made clear in that agreement," the resort representative said, urging caution about retroactive termination language.
Board members countered that the town did not receive town-meeting appropriations needed to pay the invoices and that contract language referencing town-meeting approval and termination may relieve the town of an obligation to pay prior invoices if the town meeting failed to appropriate funds. The board indicated its legal counsel has reviewed the matter and suggested additional internal discussion before changing position.
Both sides said they prefer to work collaboratively and to avoid legal fees. The resort said it would continue to discuss options with the town, and the board said it would consult counsel and continue the conversation at a later public meeting.
