By LISA CAPOBIANCO STAFF WRITER The Town Council has set a public hearing on Oct. 5 before voting on an increase in sewer user rates. Last year, a study as conducted to analyze the Water Pollution Control Fund due to the improvements required by the state to reduce phosphorus discharges into the Pequabuck River, said Town Manager Robert Lee during a Town Council meeting held last Monday. The consultant, Tighe & Bond, completed a sewer rate study that recommended several options for addressing the possible $10 million sewer plan upgrade that will be required in the next few years. The Town Council discussed the matter and decided to gradually increase sewer user rates over the next several years instead of having a large increase when the project is completed. The plan involved a 4.8 percent annual increase in sewer user rates for the upcoming year. Last year, the council increased sewer rates by 8 percent in an effort to cover an increasing annual shortfall. Lee said this year the increase will be 1.67 percent (for both standard and well users) to balance two years at 4.8 percent. This would result in the minimum charge increasing by $16.10 on Nov. 1. […]
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