Wayland wastewater commission approves 9.25 percent sewer rate increase

WAYLAND -- June 10, 2024, Wayland wastewater commissioners approve a 9.25 percent rate hike for fiscal 2025. Commissioners Michael Gitten and Darrin Bock voted unanimously after a rate hearing to set the base charge at $7.99, tier one at $6.29 and tier two at $18.88, effective July 1. The district's consultant projected six straight years of 9.25 percent increases are needed to keep retained earnings above the 20 percent benchmark before debt rolls off and rates stabilize. New costs baked in include a $105,000 small-equipment line and just-under-$50,000 in annual debt service starting in FY26 for the headworks screens approved at town meeting. Administrator Sarah Pawluczonek reported the operating budget is 99.2 percent spent through May, with energy lines under budget absorbing membrane contingency costs; interest income has reached roughly $34,000. Bock urged staff to "spread the pain" by adding users.