Groton Water Pollution Control Authority - 5/12/26

The Groton Water Pollution Control Authority held a meeting on May 12, 2026, focusing primarily on personnel updates, facility maintenance, and sewer rate discussions. Key procurement-related topics included the awarding of a study contract to Fuss and O'Neal for the Little Jialter pump station, which requires significant repairs due to mechanical and structural issues and flooding risks. The authority also discussed upcoming bids for the Mumford and Burgess Park pump station projects. A detailed sewer budget and rate scenario analysis was presented, highlighting a forecasted expenditure of approximately $8.9 million for fiscal year 2027 and the need to raise residential sewer rates from $37.50 to $40 per month to maintain financial stability and fund capital improvements. The board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed rate increase scenario and scheduled a public hearing for May 30, 2026, to discuss the new sewer use charges. Additionally, the authority plans to pursue grants to offset costs for major pump station reconstruction projects and is addressing staffing shortages to support these initiatives.