Fredonia Trustee Jon Espersen has led the village’s latest consideration of the North County Water District, and he had some questions for the district board Thursday.

Espersen told district board chairman Dan Pacos he was willing to submit written questions. But Pacos invited Espersen to ask them right there, so he did

First, Espersen asked Pacos when the town of Pomfret’s Phase 2 water line project would come online. Pacos, also the Pomfret Town Supervisor, said that was more a town business question than an NCWD issue. He said Phase 2 would be ready “next summer, fall-ish.”

Espersen asked about the estimated volume of water that NCWD pipes can handle. Pacos said he didn’t know but would ask CPL, the district’s engineers.

Next question: Who would maintain the meters at the connections if Fredonia and the water district shared services?

Pacos’ answer focused more on water payment rates than meters. He said it depended on the setup of a Fredonia-NCWD agreement. If the village purchased water in bulk from the district, the Chautauqua County Legislature would set a rate for selling it, based on the NCWD board’s recommendation. Fredonia would still set its own rates for its own customers.

“There’s not a lot to do to maintain a meter,” said Natalie Whiteman, Chautauqua County Health Department water specialist. She said the hard work comes with installing meters.

Finally, Espersen asked if Fredonia would get a seat on the North County Water District Board if the entities did business.

“I assume,” said Pacos, a Fredonia resident himself.

“I don’t see why the (county) legislature wouldn’t approve it,” said Terry Niebel, NCWD board member and Sheridan legislator.