Commissioners request water and sewer capacity data after public concern about extension requests

During public comment a speaker urged the commission to scrutinize requests to extend municipal water outside the town and to set conditions for extensions because water is a limited municipal resource.

"It's the most valuable resource around," a commenter said, urging the commission to consider whether water extensions should be conditioned on annexation or other commitments. The speaker noted a proposed development (Duncan Manor) may request water service and recommended referral to the commission for review of conditions and limits.

Commission members agreed they need definitive data on current usage, remaining capacity and sewer allocations before acting. Staff and a commissioner reported the town's excess HRSD allocation was 280,000 gallons per day of capacity; commissioners asked staff (Greg and Debbie) to assemble current usage statistics and capacity figures for the next meeting so the group can make informed recommendations on extension requests.

Next steps: Staff to compile water and sewer usage data, current allocations and planning thresholds and present the figures at the next meeting for policy discussion and any criteria for extensions.