BETHEL — The Town of Bethel Town Board proposed a $225,000 bond intended to finance equipment and infrastructure needs for the newly acquired Smallwood Water District.

The borrowing would fund improvements to the district including the purchase of equipment and pipes for available inventory, along with related incidental expenses.

Supervisor Dan Sturm said the money would help pay for a truck, trailer, Kubota tractor loader and other materials needed to operate the district.

“This is [money] to actually get the trucks, get the trailer and any needed equipment, because there’s surely a need for pipes and all kinds of things to get them going and start,” Sturm said.

Town officials clarified that the proposal is separate from the previously approved $275,000 authorization used to purchase the water company and cover associated legal, engineering and administrative expenses.

According to the bond documents, the project was classified as a Type II action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, meaning officials determined it would not result in a significant adverse environmental impact. The resolution lists the project’s period of probable usefulness at 15 years.

Before opening the hearing, the board approved the town’s 2026-27 insurance renewal policy following a presentation from insurance representatives. Officials said the town’s total insured property value increased roughly 7.5 percent year over year, in part due to additional property associated with the Smallwood Water District.