To the Editor:

As Water Superintendent for the Wareham Fire District, I often work with the town. In the 12 years I have been Water Superintendent, my working relationship with the town has been one of mutual cooperation.

When the town proposed to do sewer work on Oak Street and Indian Neck Road, the District voted to appropriate $1,400,000 for water main replacement and upgrades. The explanation for the appropriation said the cost could be significantly reduced if the work coincided with the town's sewer work.

All the water work was completed, and the District contributed almost $100,000 to paving costs for sewer, which in turn helped lower the betterment charge to the affected residents. The final water work cost was about $800,000 — a savings of $600,000 off the original estimate, which was $420,000 for construction, and $180,000 for engineering.

How did we do that? We worked with the town, the contractor, the state, and the federal government. All of the work was approved as a change order to the town's sewer contracts.

The Selectmen, acting as Sewer Commissioners, did their due diligence in this matter. After all, this was the town’s money they had to front the water department, so they wanted it back.

Change orders are a normal function of this type of construction. The issue as to whether this work was an attempt to violate the procurement laws was thoroughly discussed. It was determined by the state that a change order was appropriate.

The Wareham Fire District Clerk/Treasurer did pay the $570,000 Oak Street/Parkwood Beach change order invoice with no discussion. She refuses to pay the $210,000 for the Oakdale contract.

I too spoke with the Attorney General on this matter. He has made no decision, since there is no complaint. He did tell me that if there was a procurement violation, then it would be the town that is held responsible. The District’s contract is with the town and not the contractor.

It is not the District’s place to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth against the town. We owe the town the money. The Water Commissioners and Prudential Committee have authorized the payment, so let’s get it done.

If the District’s Clerk/Treasurer disagrees, that is her right. If the town never wants to help out the District again, I will know why.

Michael Martin

Water Superintendent