The Town of Stratford Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) meeting held on May 13, 2024, focused on critical financial discussions regarding capital improvement projects and budgetary challenges facing the treatment plant. The meeting, attended by town officials and council members, addressed the funding processes for upcoming projects and the implications of the current budget shortfall.

The meeting began with inquiries about the capital improvement process for the treatment plant, which operates under a separate enterprise fund. Officials explained that the town typically finances these projects through bonding or the Clean Water Fund, with costs subsequently reflected in the WPCA budget. It was noted that the WPCA has faced challenges due to a negative adjustment in its fund balance from previous audits, resulting in a current balance of approximately $2 million. However, the authority is projected to face a shortfall of about $635,000 for the upcoming fiscal year if rates remain unchanged.

A significant point of discussion was the need for a rate increase, as the WPCA has not raised rates in over a decade. Officials indicated that the authority must address both ongoing operational costs and the repayment of a recent $24 million project. Future projects are estimated to require an additional $13.5 million, which would necessitate bonding or further use of the Clean Water Fund.

The meeting also highlighted the trends in sewer use arrears, with projections indicating a 40% increase in expected revenue from this source. Officials attributed this increase to more aggressive collection efforts by the tax office, although they cautioned that fewer accounts are now past due, which may affect future collections.

As the meeting progressed, the council discussed the implications of the projected budget gap, estimated to be around $1.5 to $1.6 million. This gap includes anticipated bond payments and operational shortfalls. The recommendation from officials was clear: a rate increase would be necessary to bridge this financial gap and ensure the sustainability of the WPCA's operations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for financial adjustments within the WPCA to address both immediate and long-term funding challenges. The council is expected to deliberate on the proposed rate increase and other financial strategies in the coming weeks to secure the authority's fiscal health and maintain essential services.