MEXICO – The Mexico Water District’s Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to provide water-operation services for the town of Dixfield.
The three-person board met in special session Thursday night to make the decision.
On Monday, the town of Dixfield had unanimously agreed to a contract that calls for paying $38,000 a year to Mexico for the service.
Anne Young, administrator for the Mexico Water District, said Friday that a part-time water operator will likely be hired to help cover the added duties required by contracting with Dixfield. The Mexico Water District employs two water operators – Jim White, who is also the superintendent, and Ryan Young.
Young said she was pleased with the contract.
“I feel it is a very positive note in the right direction,” she said.
Either party can break the year-long contract in 60 days, if desired.
The opportunity for a cooperative effort between the two towns arose earlier in the month when Dixfield’s water operator, Duane Powers, resigned from his position to take a similar job with another water district.
The Dixfield Board of Selectmen then decided to look for ways to reduce costs as well as to advance regionalization efforts.
Board Chairman Tony Carter said Monday night that today’s economy calls for cooperation among towns.
“No way can towns continue as they have,” he said.
Although Dixfield will continue to bill water customers and purchase supplies and chemicals, the water department stands to save about $16,000 a year under the new arrangement, according to town officials.
The new arrangement took effect on Thursday.
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