Wayland wastewater commission confirms authority over connections, opens FY24 rate review

WAYLAND -- April 12, 2023, Wayland wastewater panel weighs FY24 rate hike after Alta shortfall and gets favorable legal opinion. KP Law confirmed at the April 12 meeting that the Wastewater Management District Commission has authority to approve new connections and additional flow without state DEP or health-department sign-off, and named DPW Director Thomas Holder as executive director, a designation regulators had questioned. New finance consultant Matt Abrahams of The Abrahams Group told commissioners FY23 user-charge revenue is now projected at roughly $339,000 against a $435,500 target, citing two missed quarters of base-charge billing at Alta, a $20,000 annual leaching-field credit, and a collection rate closer to 90 percent than the 97.5 percent assumed. Fully covering FY24 expenses from rates would require a 16 percent across-the-board increase, though Abrahams presented a multi-year plan drawing on retained earnings. Chair Michael Gitten said he would oppose more flow for any user "not caught current" on their bills. Operations Manager Jared Cotton reported Alta occupancy at 46.79 percent. A rate hearing is set for June 14.