The proposal to spread a portion of the burden over the entire tax base
did not originate with the select board. They have been understandably
reluctant to renege on their promise that only the users would pay for
the water system.
The fact is that Waitsfield is faced with a tough dilemma which will
require difficult decisions to solve. We can rail against our current
situation (certainly mistakes have been made along the way), vilify our
town officers, or put our heads together for the best solution to our
current situation.
The petition and subsequent article is only one thought, crafted in a
short time to get the ball rolling. It is hoped that by Town Meeting a
better solution will be developed and proposed. A vote of approval on
the petition would in any event still require a subsequent majority vote
by the voters before it could be implemented.
The fact is that Waitsfield officials relied upon ownership of a town
road that turned out to be private property. It is also true that the
main corridor of our Valley needs water, not just for developing new
businesses but to sustain the ones we have, like the Big Picture with
its failing system.
The other uncomfortable fact is that we are faced with three less than perfect outcomes:
1. Proceeding with condemnation of the Richards and Houston properties
which could entail more legal costs, lengthy court battles and an
uncertain outcome.
2. Letting the water project fail in which case all of the taxpayers
will have to assume the responsibility of reimbursing over a million
dollars in engineering and primary construction costs.
3. Or negotiating a settlement with the property owners.
The third option is the best for many reasons but entails finding funds
to reimburse the landowners for their property and water where no
payment was previously factored in. Town officials are working
diligently with the landowners to find a solution that works for all
without adding to the current water users' burdens or shifting some of
the debt to the taxpayers, but this is a difficult task.
Even if you did not want the water and voted against it, the fact is
that the pipes are in the ground and they belong to all of us. Our
community can continue to dwell on the past or accept our situation and
solve it together. The parties are doing their best to find a viable
solution; in the meantime, we owe thanks to many of them for their
efforts, especially Kate Williams who is doing an outstanding job of
trying to solve a problem that was created well before she joined the
select board.
Corinthia Richards lives in Waitsfield.
