Pittsfield To Examine Privatizing Water Treatment

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — At the request of the City Council, Mayor Daniel Bianchi is working to form a new volunteer committee to examine the pros and cons of privatizing the way the city manages its water infrastructure.

"It is probably one of the most valuable things that we possess as a community, our water resources," Bianchi told iBerkshires. "Consequently we have to be very careful."

"I think it's something we should start the conversation on," said Ward 4 Councilor Christopher Connell, who proposed a study group to explore privatizing the water department and waste-water treatment plant. "I think we really need to analyze this, and get some information, to see if this going to be worth our while."

"We do a very good job, running our water plants. We're very efficient," said Bianchi of city's current operations. "With that said, from time to time, it is important that we take a look at the possibilities of managing things in a slightly different way."

Connell says there are several national firms that handle water and waste water treatment for municipalities that might offer the city a more efficient option.

"We're getting by right now," Connell told the City Council, which last week voted unanimously to refer the proposal to the mayor. 

Connel said there are a variety of challenges to managing both departments, from staffing to necessary repairs and improvements needed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations going forward, challenges he believes may potentially be better handled by outsourcing to a private company.

Bianchi said he is reaching out to prospective members to form this new committee, and is looking for individuals with a range of different expertise to inform its deliberations, from those knowledgeable about the science of water treatment to residents with backgrounds in business and accounting to help evaluate the financial aspects.  

Those with engineering backgrounds and others "who can look at it, with just a fresh set of eyes" are also desirable, Bianchi told iBerkshires.

The mayor said he anticipates the new study group will be up and running within the next month. In his proposal, Connell suggested it would take about three months for the group to study the issue and provide its findings.

Central Berkshire Picks Insider Henault for Next Superintendent

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
11:30PM / Wednesday, April 02, 2025

Michael Henault is interviewed by the School Committee on Wednesday. 

DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee didn't go far to find its next superintendent. 

 

The committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to offer the post to Michael Henault, who has been the district's assistant superintendent for three years. 

 

"He is an incredible candidate. It doesn't matter for what district, and I think he is ready, and certainly chomping at the bit to take on the next challenge," said Charlotte Crane, committee member. 

 

"I suspect that we wouldn't be able to hold on again for too much longer in the assistant superintendent position." 

 

The vote came at the end of a four-hour meeting during which Henault and two other finalists — John Franzoni, superintendent of the Northern Berkshire School Union, and Matthew Bishop, interim deputy superintendent for the Pittsfield Public Schools — were interviewed. 

 

The 13 of the 15 committee members representing the seven towns in the district agreed that it was a difficult decision because of the quality of the candidates. 

 

"I'm extremely torn right now," said Ellen Lattizzori of Dalton.