READSBORO- It was a very light agenda, but the Readsboro selectboard got an unwelcome surprise as they received a letter from the state of Vermont.

The letter said the Public Service Board is investigating Readsboro Electric for undercharging utility users and a meeting between PSB officials and the town will take place July 16. Selectboard chair Raymond Eilers has said repeatedly if Readsboro Electric remains in the town’s hands, the state of Vermont will be scrutinizing the utility much more than it has in the past. Eilers’ prophecy was fulfilled.

Eilers was frustrated by the state’s claim that Readsboro Electric Utility isn’t charging users enough for the services provided. The selectboard already approved a 22% increase in 2009 and it is very likely to approve another 10% increase for 2010. Now Eilers wants to know why the town can’t get what it wants in order to meet state utility requirements. “We asked for a 26% increase and the state bumped it down to 22%. I don’t understand how they can say we’re not charging enough,” said Eilers.

Readsboro Electric has had to implement several rate increases in order to keep up with the utility’s rising costs. The town tried to sell Readsboro Electric twice, but it still has not garnered enough support. Proponents of Readsboro Electric believe the utility should remain in the town’s hands because no taxpayer money is supporting the utility and it has some of the lowest electrical rates in the state. Readsboro Electric’s power is provided by the Vermont Public Power Supply Authority.

The selectboard discussed the possibility of hiring an assistant town clerk. Town clerk Annette Caruso said more work “is coming down the pike” now that the electric utility is remaining in the town’s hands.

Caruso requested more help, but the selectboard struggled to find a way to fund the position. Another concern was how to determine what would be the appropriate number of hours the assistant clerk should work. Eilers recommended 10 to 15 hours a week. “I don’t want to get into many hours because I don’t want to get into benefits, point blank,” said Eilers.

The selectboard tabled the issue until the next selectboard meeting.

In other news, the selectboard approved a raise for Ron “Junior” Smith, who is working as the town’s weed-whacker. Superintendent of public works Barry Howes recommended the raise, despite the town’s tight budgets, because, he said, Smith is reliable, a hard worker, and possesses a driver’s license.

A lagoon inspection was recently conducted and Howes said it passed to the inspectors’ satisfaction. “There was a little sludge in there, but no poor readings,” said Howes. “Other than that, we’re not in any dire straits down there.”