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Selectboard trims several water budget line items after review
Summary
During a detailed FY26 water budget review, the Fair Haven Selectboard and DPW agreed to lower some proposed line items — notably reducing small tools and equipment and adjusting 'other purchased services' — while confirming capital reserve and bond debt service obligations.
The Selectboard conducted a line-by-line review of the proposed FY26 water department budget and approved several adjustments intended to keep the fund near level funding.
DPW Director Mike told the board that two failing filters (to be replaced together) had a quote of about $250,000 for parts and work; members acknowledged that big capital items can drive larger future expenses. For operating lines, members debated 'small tools and equipment' (initially proposed at $4,000) and after discussion agreed to reduce it to $3,000 to match recent actuals. The board also discussed moving recurring telemetry and alarm expenses into 'other purchased services' and reduced that line to $10,000 from a proposed $15,000 where members felt prior years' spending did not support the higher figure.
Staff clarified the water capital reserve currently holds $263,000 and the debt-service lines represent two bonds (one at roughly $39,000 and another at about $43,000). Board members recommended continued monitoring of the waterline small tools usage and suggested using reserve funds for unplanned emergency repairs if needed. No formal appropriation beyond routine budget adjustments was approved at the meeting; staff will reflect the accepted changes in the final FY26 proposal sent back to the board.
