Commissioners approve funding for Lewis Road sewer project after USDA loan acceptance

The Worcester County Commissioners held a meeting on June 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a sewer project funding update and the adoption of the fiscal year 2026 budget.

The meeting began with a motion to delay further action on a project until necessary studies were submitted for departmental review. This motion was seconded and approved unanimously by the commissioners.

Next, the commissioners addressed the Lewis Road sewer project, which had previously received funding from the USDA. The project, initially budgeted at $2.5 million, faced a significant cost increase, with bids coming in at $3.8 million. After accounting for additional costs, the total project cost rose to approximately $4.5 million. The county applied for additional funding from the USDA, which was granted, consisting of $1.8 million in grants and a $618,000 loan. The loan, which has a 40-year term at 2.5% interest, will result in a quarterly assessment of about $105 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) for the 60 EDUs assigned to the project. The commissioners discussed the importance of starting the paperwork for this funding and noted that the funds could be returned if the project does not proceed. A motion to move forward with the public hearing and paperwork was made and seconded, passing without opposition.

The meeting concluded with a review of the fiscal year 2026 budget. Budget Officer Kimberly Reynolds presented the adjustments made since the last budget work session, including a $2,500 cost-of-living adjustment and a one-step increase for eligible employees. The budget estimates for revenue were set at $283,840,947, with expenditures projected at $280 million. The commissioners moved to adopt the budget, ensuring that all proposed adjustments were accounted for.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to secure funding for essential infrastructure projects and finalize the upcoming fiscal budget, with a focus on transparency and community engagement.