Wayland wastewater panel reviews four rate options topping out at 13.25 percent

WAYLAND -- February 10, 2025, Wayland weighs 13.25 percent sewer rate hikes against $3M in capital projects. The Wastewater Management District Commission reviewed four preliminary rate scenarios at its Feb. 10 remote meeting, with consultant Matt Abrams of the Abrams Group projecting that $526,000 in fine-screen borrowing, a $290,000 fiscal 2026 capital bundle and a $2 million Route 20 sewer construction project in fiscal 2028 would add roughly $275,000 in annual debt service to a budget just under $1 million. Last year's adopted plan called for 9.25 percent annual increases; Option 1 now calls for 13.25 percent. Chair Michael Gitten pushed back, noting "we haven't done a double-digit rate increase in at least five years," and asked Abrams to factor in new flows from the Council on Aging and library connecting this spring. Administrator Sarah Pawluczonek projected fiscal 2025 revenue at $524,000, producing an $88,000 surplus. No rates were set; the rate hearing is scheduled for June 9.