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Residents press board over nine months without water billing and transparency on funds
Summary
Residents raised concerns during public comment about a perceived nine-month lapse in water billing after the town purchased the Woodstock Aqueduct Company and questioned whether town reserves or bond proceeds were being used for daily operations.
Several residents used the public-comment period to press the Select Board for clarity about the town's handling of water billing after it acquired the Woodstock Aqueduct Company.
Peter Schumacher said he was "again" before the board to express concern about a nine-month lack of billing and asked "Where is the money coming from to fund the day to day operations of the water department?" He asked whether town reserve funds were being used and urged that any outside funds be allocated transparently — for example, toward paying down bonds or affordable housing — and that voters decide on allocation.
Board members responded that the town had been working through billing transitions and that the finance office expected to begin issuing bills; they noted some billing had been collected with the closing and that the FY26 rate-setting reflects the budget the town approved at the March 1 town meeting. The finance director and manager said staff were working to collect outstanding readings, upgrade meters and post explanatory materials so residents could see how rates were calculated. The board deferred detailed allocation decisions about any future grant or private funds until after a grant is awarded and the board has had a chance to consider specific proposals.
