Fredonia Trustee Michelle Twichell continued to stand alone Monday as the rest of the village board eyes cooperation with the North County Water District.

Twichell was the only “no” vote on a resolution of support for a NCWD-ordered study on linking Fredonia’s water infrastructure with the district. Prior to the vote, she blasted her fellow trustees.

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised, at the board’s latest attempt to mislead the public in its efforts to dismantle Fredonia’s water infrastructure,” she declared. “Board members have stated publicly that they have already decided to close the citizens-owned water facilities.”

“That is so untrue,” interjected Trustee Jon Espersen.

Twichell continued, “Having already made their choice, this board is merely considering which optional water source they prefer.”

Twichell said she would “like to see a statement by Labella that they will not bill the village for any portion of the study not covered by the district or the state.”

Espersen said soon after, “A no vote to this study is a kick in the pants to every resident that will not know how much money we could save if we were to hook up with the North County Water District. We might not save anything.”

“And they’re doing such a fabulous job!” Twichell called out, sarcastically.

“We might not save anything but we won’t know unless the study is done,” Espersen said.

As referenced by Twichell, the Labella engineering firm is doing the latest study. The same firm did Fredonia’s own study of its water system in 2023.

Labella will get paid for the new study from a mix of state and county funding. Espersen and Mayor Michael Ferguson have repeatedly emphasized that Fredonia will pay nothing for the study.

Fredonia’s trustees voted Monday to renew LaBella as the village’s “engineer of record.” Twichell offered the only “no” vote on that one, as well.