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Select-board members warn sewer project costs jumped to about $10M; town hires engineers and will press state for design access
Summary
Committee members said a sewer replacement project estimate rose from roughly $6 million to about $10 million before final design, and they plan a formal letter after independent engineers raised concerns; they noted a $2 million grant but warned higher costs would fall to water-rate payers.
Committee member said the town's planned sewer replacement from Tilton to South Road has seen estimates climb from roughly $6 million to about $10 million while the project remains undetermined and not fully designed. "It's now at 10," the member said, adding that the town has retained outside engineers who disagreed with portions of the state's proposed approach.
The member said the state initially restricted access to the design until it reached 90% completion, which the town finds unacceptable. "We're they're going to send a formal letter to this state," the member said, adding the town will press to see and review designs sooner. The committee noted the town received a $2,000,000 grant toward the work but said the grant will not cover an unknown bid once the project is released for construction.
Officials highlighted that any cost increase will likely be borne by water-rate customers. The member emphasized capital budgets and infrastructure readiness, saying the town needs to budget for larger projects rather than deferring deferred maintenance. The meeting record did not include a final vote or motion tied to a specific contract or design approval for the sewer work.
