Finance Committee greenlights funding to acquire Housatonic Water Works for town.

The Finance Committee of Great Barrington has approved funding for a study to evaluate the potential acquisition of Housatonic Water Works (HWW). The town has hired DPC Engineering to conduct the study, which will assess the potential operation, costs, revenues, expenses, and capital needs of HWW. The study is estimated to cost $26,235 and will take four to six months to complete. The town hopes to present the question of acquiring HWW at a town meeting if the Selectboard approves. In late June, HWW filed an application for a 112.7% revenue increase, and while the rate case is still ongoing, there are discussions about a potential settlement. The Selectboard is scheduled to discuss the purchase of HWW in an executive session on January 22. In addition to the HWW study, the town is also preparing the first draft of the fiscal 2025 budget.