Pittsfield To Examine Privatizing Water TreatmentBy Joe Durwin, Pittsfield Correspondent
02:08AM / Thursday, October 02, 2014 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — At the request of the City Council, Mayor Daniel Bianchi is working to form a new volunteer committee to examine the pros and cons of privatizing the way the city manages its water infrastructure.
"It is probably one of the most valuable things that we possess as a community, our water resources," Bianchi told iBerkshires. "Consequently we have to be very careful."
"I think it's something we should start the conversation on," said Ward 4 Councilor Christopher Connell, who proposed a study group to explore privatizing the water department and waste-water treatment plant. "I think we really need to analyze this, and get some information, to see if this going to be worth our while."
"We do a very good job, running our water plants. We're very efficient," said Bianchi of city's current operations. "With that said, from time to time, it is important that we take a look at the possibilities of managing things in a slightly different way."
Connell says there are several national firms that handle water and waste water treatment for municipalities that might offer the city a more efficient option.
"We're getting by right now," Connell told the City Council, which last week voted unanimously to refer the proposal to the mayor.
Connel said there are a variety of challenges to managing both departments, from staffing to necessary repairs and improvements needed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations going forward, challenges he believes may potentially be better handled by outsourcing to a private company.
Bianchi said he is reaching out to prospective members to form this new committee, and is looking for individuals with a range of different expertise to inform its deliberations, from those knowledgeable about the science of water treatment to residents with backgrounds in business and accounting to help evaluate the financial aspects.
Those with engineering backgrounds and others "who can look at it, with just a fresh set of eyes" are also desirable, Bianchi told iBerkshires.
The mayor said he anticipates the new study group will be up and running within the next month. In his proposal, Connell suggested it would take about three months for the group to study the issue and provide its findings.
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