Cheshire Town Council approves $1.3M community pool fund budget for 2025-2026

Cheshire Town Council has approved a significant budget increase for the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), raising rates by $20 to ensure the maintenance of essential services. This decision, made during the council meeting on April 23, 2025, aims to balance the budget without depleting fund reserves, which are crucial for unforeseen expenses.

Council members expressed the necessity of this increase, highlighting past issues that arose from underfunding. "None of us want to see these increases, but it's important to keep our plant up to grade," said one council member, emphasizing the need for reliable infrastructure. The unanimous vote reflects a commitment to maintaining the town's wastewater management system, which is vital for public health and environmental safety.

In addition to the WPCA budget, the council also discussed the operating budget for the Cheshire Community Pool, which stands at $1,308,762 for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The pool has been a topic of concern due to its aging facilities and rising maintenance costs. Council members acknowledged the need for increased fees to support the pool's operations and suggested exploring group purchasing options for supplies to reduce expenses.

The discussions around both budgets underscore the council's focus on long-term planning and sustainability. As one member noted, a comprehensive 10-year plan for the pool is essential to transition it from a deficit to a breakeven operation. The council is set to revisit these discussions in September, aiming to ensure that community assets like the pool remain viable for future generations.