Waterville Valley Select Board Approves Tax Warrant and Infrastructure Projects
The Waterville Valley Select Board convened on May 21, 2025, to address a range of municipal matters, including financial approvals, infrastructure projects, and regulatory updates. The meeting covered critical decisions impacting the town’s budget and infrastructure, with a focus on tax warrants, water line repairs, road projects, and wastewater treatment planning.
Tax Bill Warrant and Supplemental Bills Approved
The board approved a tax collector’s warrant for the first half of the 2025 property tax levy, totaling $3,349,747, which represents half of the previous year’s tax rate (link). Additionally, three supplemental water and sewer bills for the first quarter of 2025 were approved, addressing missed billings for properties in the Green Peak area. The supplemental bills include two properties at $275.93 each and one at $295.56, which will be added to the total commitment of $318,698 reviewed at the prior meeting (link).
Water Line Repairs on Bean Bender Road
The board approved a bid not to exceed $23,590 for water line repairs on Beanbender Road. The contractor, who previously repaired the opposite side of the cul-de-sac in 2015, will install heat trace and insulation to prevent future freeze-ups. The project includes tying into an existing termination point to ensure long-term reliability (link).
Road and Infrastructure Projects
Several road projects were discussed, including culvert replacements on Noon Peak Road prior to repaving, with coordination planned with the school and abutting landowners to minimize disruptions. The repaving of Packard’s Road and the Golden Eagle Lodge parking lot is scheduled to begin after the July 4th holiday, with both projects handled by the same contractor to streamline operations. The town will also contribute $6,500 toward a walkway from the Golden Eagle Lodge to the bridge, with the remaining $78,500 of the $85,000 project cost allocated to the lodge’s parking lot (link).
Wastewater Treatment Plant Update
The board reviewed progress on the wastewater treatment plant project, with engineers reporting a three-to-four-week delay in the 30% design plan (link).
Financial Review and Tax Anticipation Note
The financial review highlighted the town’s revenue and expense status for FY25. The board noted that $150,000 of an approved $300,000 tax anticipation note has been drawn, with plans to repay it by July 2, 2025, or earlier, as tax revenues continue to come in. No additional borrowing is anticipated unless an emergency arises (link).
Solid Waste and Environmental Concerns
A request to use hard pack instead of cement for a dumpster pad was discussed, with the board deferring a decision until further consultation with staff. The board also addressed ongoing efforts to comply with a cease-and-desist letter issued for unauthorized work along Snow’s Mountain Road, requiring material removal and the construction of a small swale for drainage (link). Additionally, the board reviewed concerns about the impending closure of the Bethlehem landfill, with only a year and a half remaining to identify alternative waste disposal solutions. Discussions with the Pemi-Baker Solid Waste District emphasized the need for coordinated planning (link).
Upcoming Meetings and Public Hearings
The board scheduled a public hearing for June 4, 2025, to discuss the use of $99,000 in unanticipated FEMA funds. The same meeting will include a presentation from the White Mountain National Forest’s Pemi District Ranger on resort expansion plans (link).
The Waterville Valley Select Board continues to address critical infrastructure and financial priorities, ensuring transparency and community engagement through public hearings and ongoing project updates. The next regular meeting is set for June 4, 2025, at 3 p.m.