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Board debates standby fee, grant and loan options to boost sewer hookups
Summary
Staff and selectmen discussed setting a standby fee (0 to base rate), reviving a grant/loan hookup program that previously added about 20 subscribers, and options to make the sewer expansion financially sustainable.
Town staff reviewed the town ordinance that allows a standby fee up to the minimum base rate and summarized past grant/loan efforts that helped about 19–20 properties connect to sewer service. Staff noted that the TIF covers sewer debt service but not operations, and that operational costs remain on the town. "The standby fee now shall not exceed the minimum base rate," staff said, noting the board could set it at $0 if desired.
Selectmen discussed possibilities including restarting a low-interest or forgiven-loan program to encourage hookups and making any new program contingent on available funding. Several members said they'd support investigating a loan/grant relaunch but emphasized the need to identify funding before committing. The board asked staff to explore funding availability and return with options for a loan program or a phased standby-fee plan.
