Article 3 was approved by town meeting voters to ensure that critical water treatment infrastructure projects stay on schedule. The article authorizes the Water Department to use pre-litigation funds to cover a temporary funding gap for the design of PFAS treatment systems at Wells 10 and 11.

Chairwoman Tracy Post explained that the town is awaiting reimbursements from the State Revolving Fund (SRF), but those funds will not be available until 2026. Due to the timing of the state revolving fund reimbursement, the water department has required utilization of the pre-PFAS litigation fund to cover the gap for the PFAS treatment design, Post said. This internal funding allows the engineering and design work to proceed immediately rather than waiting two years for state money.

The move is part of the town's broader strategy to ensure municipal drinking water meets increasingly stringent state and federal safety standards regarding PFAS chemicals.

Motion: To move Article 3 as printed in the warrant.

Vote: Passed