Great Barrington — The Select Board is scheduled to hold a special meeting to discuss ongoing issues about Housatonic Water Works on Monday, October 17 at 4:15 p.m. At press time, an agenda for the meeting had not been posted on the town’s website. A press release announcing the meeting lists that the Select Board will be holding “an informational conversation” with Aquarion Water Company.
According to the company’s website, the company operates the public water supply for 72 cities and towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, including in nearby Sheffield.
Back on September 19, Housatonic Water Works Treasurer James Mercer sent a letter to customers that outlined what he believes would be solutions to the ongoing problems facing the troubled company and its continuous water quality issues. In the letter, Mercer suggested that the town support HWW’s proposed rate increases for improvements to its water system.
During its meeting on October 3, the Select Board issued and approved a letter of its own criticizing HWW, its operations, and the September 19 letter from Mercer. “The company’s letter of September 19 asks for town support for the company’s proposed rate increase,” the Select Board stated in the letter. “We realize that capital improvements do require design and construction costs, but the company’s cost estimate for system upgrades is troubling to us. We are also concerned that customer relief still appears to be many months away. The request for town support of an unspecified rate increase does not sit well with this board.”
In the letter, the Select Board echoed the frustrations felt by HWW customers. “The Select Board is expressing its unequivocal support for all Housatonic Water Works customers who are impacted by this situation,” the Select Board wrote in the letter. “We want to assure you, and all of the town’s residents, that we are looking at every avenue to obtain appropriate relief. In particular, we are exploring all options for any state or federal funding that can be used to provide financial assistance and suitable substitute water when needed. Further, we see this problem as part of a larger question of ensuring the reliable supply of safe and clear water to the residents of Housatonic.”
Toward the end of the press release for the October 17 meeting, it notes that the Select Board has instructed Town Manager Mark Pruhenski to arrange for an independent appraisal of HWW “and that process will soon be underway.” The press release does not note when the process for the independent appraisal would start, or what it would comprise.
During multiple meetings, the Select Board has held executive sessions to discuss strategy with respect to litigation against HWW, along with, as listed on meeting agendas, “considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate” regarding the company.
