Plainville Select Board authorizes $10.6 million water treatment loan, declares drought

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH -- June 8, 2026, Plainville Select Board locks in $10.6 million zero-percent water loan and declares drought. The board voted unanimously June 8 to authorize an interim loan note not to exceed $10,600,000 from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust at zero percent interest, the second tranche of state financing for the town's ongoing water treatment facility project, which carried an approximate $26 million price tag. Treasurer-Collector Janet Janelle said some loan forgiveness is anticipated but not yet determined, and that the amount could be clarified within months. The board also declared a Level 1 mild drought and imposed mandatory outdoor watering restrictions limiting non-essential use to one day per week, on each customer's trash pickup day, before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Water Superintendent Steve White said Massachusetts declared the mild drought around May 17 and conditions could escalate to Level 2 within weeks without significant rain. Alex Kenney, an assistant financial director whose firm grew from $5 million to $12 million in revenue during his tenure, was appointed to the Finance Committee for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026.