Town Council — 2026-05-20

These are the minutes of the Town Council Strategic Work Session on May 20, 2026, primarily covering a proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) upgrade and related financing and rate issues. Staff and consultants reviewed WWTP history and design progress (MDE PER approval in Sept 2025; 30% design submitted Jan 2026; MBR pre-selection in Mar 2026; 60% design targeted by June 2026) and confirmed the expanded facility is planned within the existing WWTP property. Environmental and discharge studies (cold- and warm-water quality, Corsica River mixing), preliminary meetings with MDE and DNR, and spray irrigation/land application options (leased agricultural land, public open space, Class IV reclaimed water standards) were discussed along with growth pressures from local developments. Planning-level cost estimates were presented (approximately $34 million for the WWTP upgrade, $10 million placeholder for discharge infrastructure, total conceptual estimate about $65 million) and the town reported an allocation reserve balance of roughly $488,000 while reviewing potential funding sources (Bay Restoration Fund, State Revolving Loan Fund, Congressionally Directed Spending, Community Project Funding) and stressing pursuit of grant and intergovernmental support. A 10-year utility rate study indicated the current 5% annual increase would not be sufficient to cover anticipated debt; consultants discussed scenarios including about 8% annual sewer rate increases and raising sewer allocation fees to "approximately 10,000," and the council agreed on phased implementation, expanded public outreach and education, preparing a future resolution on rates, refining financial projections, and pursuing additional grants.