11/13/2025 Community Update

BV Water Members and Customers,

I’m reaching out with an update from the water company on the non-profit transition and the pending wastewater rate increase.

Non-Profit Transition

Regarding the non-profit transition, most people have filled out their membership form to become members of the non-profit entity, but we are still a bit shy of the 85% threshold we need to retain our federal non-profit status.  

For those who have not yet filled out the form, whether you wish to convert to become a member or not, please fill out the Existing Customer and New Member Information Form to update your contact information and affirm your choice to become a member or to remain a customer.   If you have already filled out the new member form - you do not need to fill this out again. 

If you have remaining questions about the non-profit transition or membership, please refer to the FAQ on the “Member Information” page of the website or feel free to email me directly.

Following the discussion at the community meeting this summer, the Board did move forward with a bylaw amendment, which was approved at the last board meeting.  You may find the complete updated language on the website. 

Notably, the amendment clarifies that members cannot be responsible for any financial obligations for which non-member customers are not equally responsible.  You may find this language in the Amended and Restated Bylaws under Article 8, Section 6.  Additionally, in Article 8, Section 7, you will see that the amendment also limits any use of special assessments to a measure of last resort to be used only in urgent scenarios where no other sources of funds are available. We really appreciated the feedback and engagement that led to these amendments at the last community meeting and following it.  

Wastewater Rate Increase

As discussed at the community meeting, the board has approved a wastewater rate increase, effective with the January 1, 2026 billing.  Originally, this increase was going to be 3% on the wastewater rate, however, the board has voted to increase this to a 5% rate increase. 

This change is due to uncertainty related to two of the projected funding sources we were counting on to help fund the wastewater plant upgrade project. 

These include:

1.     The Picnic Loop development project, which has faced delays in the Act 250 permit process and is now behind schedule – pushing back the Water Co’s receipt of the new development hook-up fees and the introduction of new rate payers; and

2.     The $1MM Congressionally Directed Funding grant that is dependent on the federal government passing a budget with the grant included.  We have unfortunately confirmed with Senator Welch's office that the legislation that just passed to reopen the government did not include funding for the program of which our grant is a part.  We remain hopeful that it will pass in a subsequent appropriations bill, but our receipt of this grant is currently uncertain. 

Given the uncertainty relating to these key funding sources and our inability to rely on them at this time, the Board has reluctantly determined that it is necessary to proceed with a more aggressive rate increase schedule than initially planned. 

The board has indicated, however, that should one or both of these sources of funds come through and it becomes possible to reduce planned future increases, that they would do so.  An update on the status of these funding sources and on the plans for future rate increases will be provided to the membership at the annual meeting next year.

You may find the updated quarterly rates on the website. Note that this increase only relates to the wastewater rates.  The drinking water rate is not slated for an increase at this time. 

Finally, please note that all e-mail communications are also posted and stored on the website under “News and Public Notices” and are available to public view.  If you are looking for previous communications, you may find them there.

Additionally, members can find materials from our last member meeting as well as other information for water company members under the “Member Information” tab. 

Thank you again for your engagement and your support. Please be in touch anytime via e-mail with questions or comments. 

Lindsay DesLauriers

Manager