ARLINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT COMMISSIONERS
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING of August 4, 2025
Commissioners in Attendance: Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman, Jamie Paustian, and Matt Bykowski
Commissioners Absent: Dan Harvey
Also in Attendance: Water Department Chief Operator – Josh Brace, Janet Barry, via Zoom.
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Browning at 6:30PM
Public Comments: None
AWD Process for Collecting Overdue Accounts: The Commissioners and Mr. Brace discussed the overdue accounts that have been increasing since the pandemic. There were overdue accounts inherited when the Town bought the Water Company, but the amounts are now large and not sustainable to continue with the large amounts of delinquencies. Mr. Bykowski wrote an RFP and spoke to several municipality collections companies. They typically take about 22% of what they collect, and have an 88-92% success rate. It was discussed that there are rules from the VT Public Utility Commission and Statues that must be adhered to for collections and shut off notices.
Working to collect balances in-house with warnings sent by the Water Department was also discussed. It was also discussed that properties could possibly be sent to tax sale for nonpayment of water bills, and the Town attorney will be contacted for guidance.
It was decided that both processes will be done, with warning letters for outstanding balances of 90 days/over $100 being sent out by the Water Department, with 30 days to pay, and Mr. Bykowski issuing the RFP for proposals to the collections agencies, with proposals to be to the Town by August 15, 2025, so a decision could be made at the next Select Board meeting.
Truck Issues: Mr. Brace said the Water Department truck is still having intermittent issues with the transmission. It was a sense of the Board to look at options for trading in the truck while there is still value, and check on buying/leasing a new vehicle, and having the information before the next budget is being considered.
Adjournment: Mr. Bykowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Sherman seconded the motion. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:02PM.
Minutes taken by Janet Barry