Marty Bush of Cumberland told the commissioners that a small Aerie Road water project that began as six households has shrunk to three and that participating households are being charged about $60,000 each to connect because private wells are failing. Bush said his well has been dry for three months and he is hauling water; he described paying roughly $60,000 plus $500 monthly charges tied to the project.

Bush said the contractor planned to place a tap and short line for a neighbor (Mr. Williams) who does not want to pay into the project, and he questioned why similar assistance would not be provided to other participating residents. He asked county staff for a written contract specifying how much each household owes, payment timing and protections to prevent nonpaying neighbors from hooking on without reimbursement.

County staff and commissioners responded that a contract is "in the works" and that they would "sort that part out" and provide clarity, acknowledging that if some households withdraw the per-household cost would rise. No formal action was taken tonight; staff were directed to follow up with the residents and finalize contract language.

What to watch: staff follow-up on a written contract and any adjustments to project cost-sharing if participants withdraw.