Orleans Water Board Moves Phase Three Sewer Contract Forward, Honors Retiring Superintendent

ORLEANS -- June 17, 2026, Orleans water board advances Phase Three sewer contract and honors three departmental retirements. At its June 17 meeting, the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners received word from DPW Director Rich Waldo that the State Revolving Fund has authorized award of the Phase Three sewer construction contract, with the low bid coming in at approximately $18.5 million against a $24.4 million projection, a gap Waldo said could allow the town to return up to $10 million in appropriations over three years. The board honored the retirement of Water Superintendent Todd Bunzik after 36 and a half years, noting his position has been reclassified as Water and Sewer Superintendent and interviews were conducted last week. The board also received a preliminary briefing on a pending compensatory privilege fee waiver tied to a 78-unit affordable housing project at 66 and 76 Route 6A, with no formal request yet submitted and jurisdiction still under review by counsel. Level 2 drought restrictions, reinstated June 9 under the town's state water permit, remain in effect, limiting all outdoor watering, including at town-owned properties, to handheld methods and drip irrigation only.