Select Board Unanimously Approves $200,000 Rockland Avenue Water Exploration Contract

MAYNARD -- February 17, 2026, Maynard Select Board approves $200,000 well exploration contract as rate equity dispute simmers. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize a contract with Verdant LLC for test drilling and pump studies at two Rockland Avenue sites, funded through a state earmark secured by Representative Kate Hogan. Environmental compliance manager Julia Flannery explained that the funds cover initial drilling at 400-to-450-foot bedrock depth but leave a roughly $450,000 gap for full water quality testing, including PFAS analysis. Member David Gavin objected that a 2 percent water rate surcharge, levied specifically to fund a filter rebate program, was never rolled back when the Hogan earmark arrived, telling colleagues, "We got the money to fund that program elsewhere and we don't give it back to the ratepayer. I don't think that's fair." A rate hearing with consultants is expected in early March. The board also heard a citizens-petition pitch for a dark sky lighting bylaw, with several members questioning enforceability and expressing doubt the measure would pass at the spring annual town meeting; healthcare insurance came in at 10.5 percent against a 15 percent budget estimate, freeing roughly $300,000 in budget headroom.