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.