Selectboard approves wastewater user fee and to fund annual debt from grand list

The Londonderry Selectboard voted June 2 to set an operations-and-maintenance user cost for the proposed Village wastewater system at approximately $75 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) per month and to pay an estimated $26,590 in annual debt service from 100% grand‑list support until the debt is satisfied.

Corey Mack of the Village Wastewater Committee reviewed the committee’s cost estimates for an estimated 53 residential units, including a $6.65 million construction cost, a $797,700 local match authorized by a 2023 bond, and annual O&M estimated at $36,800 plus a $10,700 reserve. “Engineering and administrative costs are fully grant covered,” Mack said during the presentation, and the committee recommended spreading the debt service across the grand list rather than charging only system users.

Resident Chad Stoddard questioned who would cover shortfalls if subscription targets are not met and urged that system users should pay for hookups rather than general taxpayers. According to the minutes, Stoddard said the town would be obligated to pay the difference if the system is not fully subscribed and that taxpayers would bear Phase 2 and Phase 3 costs if subscriptions lag.

Chair Tom Cavanagh framed the board’s decision in context: the Selectboard previously supported the local match at town meeting, and members noted that user rates can be reevaluated periodically. Taylor Prouty abstained from the motion adopting the rate and funding approach; the motion otherwise passed.

Next steps noted by the board include finalizing adopted rates and beginning resident signups for the system.