WILLIAMSTOWN - The base water rate of $50 may double in the next billing cycle.

The selectmen, in their role as water and sewer commissioners, discussed the proposal for the first time Monday night and will continue review of the proposal in coming meetings. Allen Chouinard from Simons Operation, contracted to read the meters, said that the current $50 base fee does not cover the "fixed costs" that keep the water system functional.

He said that a base fee of $100 "hits right on."

Town Manager Garrett Earls asked that restrictions on his access to the water and sewer billing module, in the NEMRC accounting system, be removed. He said that he will be taking on the responsibility of the water and sewer billing and will need more than just access to reports. The board granted him expanded access in that module. Payroll To

Move To

Town Clerk

Selectman Rodney Graham said that responsibility for payroll will be moved from the Town treasurer to the Town Clerk.

He said that payroll was not one of the Treasurer's duties and that the board is "not taking away any elected duties of the treasurer."

Mr. Earls said that one of the auditor's recommendations, in past audits, has been that "the person who does the check shouldn't be balancing the account."

Five Ancient

Roads Approved

For Add

Back

Morris Lasalle, in a presentation to the board regarding ancient roads, asked the board to approve five roads that should be brought to the State for adding back on the State's highway map as class four roads.

A few years ago the legislature passed legislation that required towns to identify by 2015 old roads that are not currently in use and the towns wish to retain. If towns choose to not identify those roads, they will revert back to adjacent landowners.

The board approved the roads and, if accepted by the State, there will be a public hearing for each road. At that time adjacent landowners and Town residents may comment on the matter.