Walpole select board takes charge of sewer and water systems

The select board has charge and control of Walpole's sewer and water systems and may set reasonable related rules. This covers sewers, sewage treatment plants and related equipment, and the water department and water system. The select board assigns work and maintenance projects to the town administrator or a designee. The act takes effect upon passage.

A five-member Sewer and Water Advisory Board advises the select board on policy and financial matters. The select board appoints two members, the finance committee appoints two, and the moderator appoints one. The board advises on budgets and rates as needed, not on technical or operating matters. It also advises on other sewer and water matters when the select board or town administrator asks. Members serve overlapping three-year terms, arranged so no more than two terms end in a year.

The elected sewer and water commissioners' offices end, and those commissioners become the advisory board's first members. After the first appointments, vacancies are filled by the select board, finance committee, and moderator in the order stated in the act. Each commissioner serves until their elected term ends or they leave office sooner. The transition takes effect when the act takes effect. Later vacancies are filled for the rest of a term, or for three years if no term remains.