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CSWD discloses $3 million phishing loss while seeking approval of FY27 budget; council approves with one recorded nay
Summary
Chittenden Solid Waste District staff disclosed a $3 million phishing scam that diverted construction payments for a new materials recycling facility but said member municipalities will not be asked to cover the shortfall; the council approved CSWD's FY27 budget.
Sarah Reeves, executive director of the Chittenden Solid Waste District, told the Essex Junction City Council on May 27 that CSWD had been the victim of a significant phishing scam that diverted roughly $3,000,000 in payments intended for the materials recycling facility under construction in Williston. Reeves said the district is cooperating with law enforcement and conducting an internal board review; she told councils the district does not expect member municipalities to bear the shortfall and plans to bridge the gap through deferred capital and a short‑term loan.
Reeves presented budget figures the district is asking municipalities to approve: projected FY27 revenue of $19,255,200 and budgeted expenses of $16,136,738, with reserves expected to end FY27 just under $2,000,000 after adjustments related to the fraud. The district proposed a $1 gate or facility‑use fee per vehicle at drop‑off centers to build capital for local facilities and noted proposed shifts in the materials‑processing operator contract could increase material‑sales revenue. The council voted to approve the CSWD FY27 budget as presented; the motion passed with at least one recorded nay.
