Committee previews water enterprise needs and upcoming tax‑rate workshops

Members discussed the ongoing water main replacement program, historically funded at about $1.5 million per year, and whether that level remains sufficient given higher current costs. Staff said the town previously accelerated water and road work using federal ARPA and CARES Act funds and that future decisions may require revisiting enterprise rates and capital priorities.

The committee also highlighted a set of tax‑rate workshops beginning Oct. 14 to explain tax rate options and engage residents. Staff and committee members discussed outreach tactics, including one‑page flyers for senior residents who do not use social media, town website updates and use of council member networks to distribute information. A staff member said the tax rate is scheduled to be set in early December and urged members to promote workshop attendance.

Committee members requested a future deep dive on enterprise fund rates and a debt overview in December to align capital planning with long‑term paydown schedules.