Whitman DPW Board of Commissioners - July 8, 2026 Meeting

The Whitman Department of Public Works (DPW) Board of Commissioners held a meeting on July 8, 2026, where they discussed several operational and budgetary issues. Key procurement-related topics included updates on Chapter 90 road work projects on Laurel Street, Silver and Gold, and Lance and Burton, with approvals in place but no start dates yet. The board also reviewed the status of a new backhoe truck being built by a Florida-based company, which is expected to be delivered by late October or early November, coming in under budget and including training. Additionally, the DPW is working with Apex and Commonwealth Construction on sewer force main repairs and GIS integration projects. Staffing and budget constraints were discussed, including the challenge of filling open positions amid tight budgets and potential layoffs if funding is cut. The board also addressed a water billing abatement request related to a stuck meter, ultimately voting to deny the abatement. Sewer capacity concerns were raised due to increasing development and potential penalties for exceeding permitted flow limits. The meeting concluded with scheduling the next meeting and moving into executive session.