3.4.2026 Sewer Commission

The Fall River Sewer Commission convened to address several key items, including the approval of past meeting minutes, the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027, and a storm water asset management plan. The minutes from November 6th and November 12th, 2025, were approved unanimously. The main discussion revolved around the proposed FY2027 budget, totaling $32,044,018, which represents an increase of approximately $450,000 from the previous year. Despite this increase, Mr. Ferland, the administrator, confirmed there would be no changes to the sewer rate of $8.11 or the storm water fee of $50 per ERU per quarter, attributing this to increased revenue from additional usage, higher lien amounts, and septage revenue exceeding $1 million. Key budget adjustments included a $300,000 increase in electricity costs due to a new city-wide contract and an increase in professional services from Inframark to fund an additional full-time equivalent (FTE) for the Industrial Pre-treatment (IP) and MS4 permit programs. Savings were realized through lower chemical costs and a $400,000 decrease in debt service from expiring general obligation bonds. The commission unanimously approved the FY2027 budget. Additionally, the commission approved a $250,000 proposal from Woodward and Current for a storm water asset management plan, which includes a $200,000 grant and a $50,000 loan. Discussions also touched upon the use of retained earnings for stabilization and capital expenditures, and the minimal financial impact of a recent major storm on the sewer department, with potential FEMA reimbursement for city-wide storm costs.

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