Water Board Lands $2.05 Million Grant

Water · Meeting of October 13, 2026

Douglas water commissioners reported securing a $2,050,000 MassWorks grant for the North Street water tank project. Assistant Manager Bob Sullivan said a companion federal Economic Development Administration grant, expected near $1 million and due within days, is needed to finish funding the project, with the cost split between the two grants shifting toward roughly 70-30. Commission President Phil Stinchfield and Commissioner Kyle Hoots also reviewed financing for a separate $1.16 million to $1.2 million borrowing package covering Depot Street and other maintenance work, after rising interest rates pushed the board toward renewable one-year notes instead of long-term bonds.

Sullivan said that borrowing could require "about a 10 plus percent increase" in rates "unless you pull some from retained earnings." The board also approved minutes from three prior meetings and began drafting a new budget policy ahead of the coming budget season.

In the full story:

• Meeting Minutes
• System Manager's Report: Sewer and Water Operations
• North Street Tank Grant: MassWorks Award and Pending EDA Application
• Commission Policies: Budget Policy Drafting Begins
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: Engineering Study Underway
• Depot Street Project and Capital Financing
• Old Business and Public Comment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 1,975 words

Source: the Water meeting of October 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.