SOUTHWICK – Department of Public Works Director Randy Brown requested this week that a warrant for water and sewer be placed on the Special Town Meeting agenda.
Brown said the town’s contract with Springfield Water and Sewer is expiring and needs to be renewed and he said it will cost more this year.
“The rates have gone up substantially,” he told the Board of Selectmen. “We don’t have the funds to pay for that increase.”
Brown said the rates went up 27 percent. Springfield water is used to supplement Southwick’s supply.
“We need the agreement signed,” he told selectmen.
Brown said he would be asking Town Meeting voters to approve a transfer of approximately $60,000 from retained earnings to cover costs.
During the Monday night selectmen meeting, Brown also updated the board on the driveway bylaw that will go to a vote at Special Town Meeting. A separate common driveway bylaw will also be brought forth but Brown discussed only the general driveway bylaw.
“These have already gone to legal counsel and have been reviewed,” said Brown.
Board Chairman Russell Fox said changes were made at counsel suggestion and the draft before the board was the revised, legal counsel approved version.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said selectmen must look over the document.
“The board needs to examine it and make a motion,” Stinehart said.
Fox and Selectman Joseph Deedy approved the bylaw draft, which will now be discussed in a public hearing.
