Water Board denies abatement for 6 Pleasant Street, defers formal vote.
Board of Water Commissioners · Meeting of July 28, 2026
West Newbury Water Board rejected an abatement application from residents over disputed usage charges while deferring a formal vote. Chair Robert Janes and members John Haley and Mark Hemingway reviewed the 6 Pleasant Street case, finding certified meter tests confirmed accuracy despite residents' vacancy claims. Member Haley warned that approval would undermine established policy and create precedent; the residents indicated they will pursue legal action.
Water Superintendent Mark Marlowe was directed to contact the applicants before the next meeting to attempt a mutually satisfactory resolution. The board also confirmed that the Church Street project is pending final payment after Town Accountant Jenny Walsh identified a one-cent discrepancy in the contractor's requisition.
In the full story:
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Source: the Board of Water Commissioners meeting of July 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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