Wayland wastewater panel backs 10 percent sewer rate hike for fiscal 2026

WAYLAND — May 12, 2025 — Wayland wastewater commission advances 10 percent sewer rate hike for fiscal 2026. The Wastewater Management District Commission voted 2-0 Monday, with Chair Michael Gitten and Darrin Bock participating remotely, to propose a 10 percent increase across the base charge and both usage tiers, choosing the smaller of two options after consultant Matt Abrahams of The Abrahams Group reported user-charge revenue had reached roughly $535,000 against a $525,000 forecast. Wastewater Administrator Sarah Pawluczonek said the revision, plus a reduced $90,000 small-equipment line, produces an estimated $120,000 surplus in fiscal 2025. The average quarterly bill would rise about $30, versus $37.50 under a level 12.5 percent plan. Abrahams's model assumes $2 million in force-main borrowing in fiscal 2028 at 4.5 percent, driving just under $200,000 in annual debt service starting fiscal 2029. "I do think we have enough tailwinds to address our headwinds," Bock said. The required public hearing is set for June 9.