BY ARIADNE WILL
The Brandon Selectboard passed two items of business at their Monday, July 12 meeting, and set a new structure for sewer rates.
Zoning Administrator Jeff Biasuzzi was reappointed to another three-year term.
Selectmen reported being content with Biasuzzi’s job performance.
Selectmen also approved two warrants – one for the previous fiscal year and one for fiscal year 2021-2022.
The warrants approved the spending of $59,190.50 and $77,958.94, respectively, from Brandon’s General Fund for routine business.
Selectmen also reviewed suggestions received for spending American Rescue Plan Act funds. The town has signed up to receive the money from the state. It is expecting to receive around $400,000.
Suggestions have included using the funds to expand broadband and internet access, to purchasing an electric police car, and to investing in low-income housing.
Town Manager David Atherton said that those who still wish to offer suggestions should email him or a Selectboard member. His and the email addresses of Selectmen are available by visiting townofbrandon.com.
OTHER BUSINESS
• Wayne Rausenberger from BLSG spoke to the Selectboard regarding Salisbury’s decision not to fund their portion of BLSG.
According to Town Manager David Atherton, Rausenberger expressed frustration but did not make clear what he was asking of the Brandon Selectboard.
“The Town of Brandon has no authority over the BLSG or the Town of Salisbury,” Atherton said in an email.
• The Board of Liquor Control Commissioners approved a Liquor and Tobacco license for the Global Montello Group Corp dba Jiffy Mart #687.
NEW SEWER RATES
The Board of Sewer Commissioners approved a new revenue structure for sewage rates.
The four-year plan passed unanimously and will reverse the current sewage pay structure gradually.
As is, 30% of expenses associated with running the sewer system are based on fixed (bond) payments and 70% result from a per gallon fee.
The new pay structure will reverse that ratio, making 70% of the expenses based on fixed payments and 30% based on a per gallon fee. This change comes after a tremendous drop in revenue due to Brandon’s decrease in sewage usage during the COVID-19 pandemic (schools not in session, businesses closed, etc.)
But the jump will not happen all at once: In 2022-23, 40% will be based on bond payments and 60% will be based on the per gallon price; in 2023-24 both payment methods will comprise of 50% of the expenses; in 2024-25 60% will be based on bond payments and 40% will be based on per gallon prices; and by 2026 customers will pay 70% of their sewer rate on fixed bond payments, and 30% on per gallon pricing.
Selectmen said this system will provide residents stability and provide stable revenue for the town.
