Stephen C. Stuntz

The committee held a reorganization meeting to appoint a new Chair following a resignation. Discussions included a review of a memorandum regarding fixed and volumetric revenue, the committee's contribution to the annual report, and the preparation of the presentation for the upcoming annual district meeting. Additionally, the committee reviewed the status of the warrant, the usage of PFAS settlement funds for the FY27 budget, and preliminary comparisons of water bills with neighboring communities. There was also a discussion regarding the recording of district operations by ActonTV.

The meeting encompassed several key items, including the appointment of a new Treasurer/Collector and discussion regarding redevelopment impacts on water infrastructure on School Street. The committee addressed volunteer shortages within District committees and reviewed the Commissioners' Annual Report. Additionally, the Board reviewed draft slides for the upcoming Annual District Meeting, received updates on PFAS sampling results and infrastructure upgrades, and debated the FY27 draft budget, including proposed warrant articles and debt fee structures.

The committee reviewed the FY 25 audit and held a preliminary discussion on the FY 27 budget, including revenue projections and staffing impacts. Discussion on potential warrant articles for the 2026 Annual District Meeting covered the establishment of a PFAS MDL fund, capital improvements for the Flagg Hill storage tank, and strategies for managing water purchase costs. The committee also reviewed recommendations from the PFAS working group regarding settlement payment options, addressed the Treasurer/Collector transition process, and planned for the upcoming Annual Report letter and future meeting scheduling.

The board discussed PFAS mitigation efforts, including sampling data, the status of treatment plant inspections, and the wind-down of the bottled water rebate program. Key financial topics included the review of the draft FY'27 budget, the status of free cash certification, and the projected debt fee structure. The board and finance committee also prepared for the Annual District Meeting by reviewing proposed warrant articles and discussing the strategic presentation of achievements, such as completed PFAS treatment facilities, to provide context for upcoming fiscal decisions.

The board authorized the District Manager to act as the agent for filing applications and executing agreements for MA State Revolving Fund grants, specifically for an Asset Management Plan and for piloting and designing a PFAS removal system. Additionally, the commissioners discussed and cancelled a previously scheduled meeting due to a conflict with another local board meeting.