Scituate Select Board Confronts $21 Million Overage in Water Treatment Plant Bids
Select Board to Weigh Options in Special Meeting to Keep Water Treatment Plant on Track
SCITUATE, MA - May 21 - The Scituate Select Board called a special meeting for May 22 to discuss options for the town's water treatment plant after construction bids came in $21 million over budget. The board emphasized the importance of the facility in providing clean water for the town's citizens, neighbors, and friends.
"Out of anything that this town does, it's difficult to think of things more important than providing clean water for our citizens, our neighbors, and our friends from a plant that meets all of the state guidelines," said Select Board Chair Andrew Goodrich. "Tomorrow's meeting will be about the solutions that we can to make sure that this project is built."
The board plans to evaluate the next steps and discuss options to ensure the project moves forward despite the budget challenges. The special meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on May 22, will focus on finding solutions to address the budget gap and keep the project on track.
In other business, the Select Board held its annual reorganization meeting, electing new leadership for the upcoming year. Andrew Goodrich, who previously served as vice chair, was elected as the new chair. Susan Harrison was elected as vice chair, and newcomer Jamie Gilmour was elected as clerk.
Goodrich expressed his excitement for the upcoming year, saying, "It is an honor to choose to fill from almost everyone who has proceeded. This is a great team. I'm excited for the year."
The board also took a moment to recognize the contributions of outgoing staff member Miranda, who was described as an "absolute institution" and a valuable asset to the town. Goodrich praised her as a confidant, problem solver, mentor, researcher, public relations expert, liaison, writer, advisor, and coordinator.
"Someone who does the right thing for the benefit of the town every single time," Goodrich said. "And besides all of those things, dare I say, a friend. You made me cry. This is, for those of you at home who don't know, this is Miranda's last select board meeting."
The board expressed their gratitude for Miranda's years of service and the positive impact she had on the town. Her departure was described as a "huge, huge loss" but also a testament to the great work she had done for the community.
As the meeting concluded, the Select Board looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming year, with a focus on addressing the water treatment plant budget issues and continuing to serve the residents of Scituate.