An oversized wastewater system costing over $100,000 a year for O&M and bond repayment!
We are buying a $4 million municipal wastewater system that will require the taxpayer to repay a $400,000 bond plus cover a significant part of the ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) cost.
These annual costs amount to over $100,000 per year with approximately $30,000 paid by user fees and the remaining $70,000* paid by Westford taxpayers.
In return the town gets municipal wastewater for the town office and library!
*Selectboard to consider covering Westford Common Hall and Brick Meeting House user fees with annual donation.
Some people think this is a High Risk system:
The estimated construction costs are based on a 30% design that lacks a materials specification list.
The leach field uses drip distribution, and no large-scale drip system exists in Northern Vermont.
In general, design features seem to be "low-balled" (pumping stations, no easy access to some mechanical parts, lack of 21st century failure alert systems…).
Current high inflation: a recent construction bid was 100% more than the design estimate.
Do we need more project management and construction supervision than budgeted for?
Largest project the town has taken on; driving Westford government expansion. The Select board takes on the task of Sewer Commissioners, and ongoing administration and service of this system will be required.