The Walden Board of Trustees voted April 27 to adopt water restriction guidelines and set a new $10 minimum charge for bulk water purchases, actions that tighten the town’s control over its water supply heading into summer. The board also approved three liquor license actions and recognized a water and sewer employee for earning a state certification. Mayor Timothy Oberbroecckling presided at Walden Town Hall.
Public Works Supervisor Mark Russell presented the water restriction guidelines for adoption. The board debated one specific question: whether to keep the RV dump station at Hanson Park open under the restrictions. Trustees agreed to leave it open for waste dumping but directed that the water fill hydrant be locked once restrictions reach Level Two. The board approved the guidelines — including revised fine levels — on a unanimous 7-0 vote.
Russell then recommended restructuring bulk water pricing. The existing schedule started at $1 per 100 gallons. Russell said comparable towns charge a minimum of $10 per 1,000 gallons, and recommended eliminating all tiers below that threshold. Tanker customers would be charged by declared tank size. The board approved the new pricing structure 7-0.
The board turned to new business and approved a festival liquor permit for the Stockman Bar on a unanimous vote, connected to the annual rodeo weekend. Town Clerk Sherry Cure explained the board’s role is limited to approving or denying based on prior permit violations — the Stockman Bar had none.
The board renewed the retail liquor license for North Park Main Street Liquors LLC, operated by Micah Marmaro, on a unanimous vote. Cure noted that a two-year license still carries an annual fee of $250, paid each year regardless of license term. Marmaro corrected a paperwork error at the meeting — his name and title appeared transposed on the application — before the board voted.
The board also renewed the Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine license for C & C Corkle LLC, doing business as Corkle’s Mini Mart, on a unanimous vote. The $250 state fee was included within the application’s total of $346, leaving approximately $96 due to the town.
Mayor Oberbroecckling closed the meeting with a personnel announcement. Water and sewer employee Reuben Romack passed his Class B certification test and received a raise of $3,200 per year. Oberbroeckling noted Romack can now legally operate the town’s water and sewer systems on his own, giving the town independent backup if Russell is unavailable. The board then adjourned.
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