Norwalk WPCA unanimously approves sewer rate increase, authorizes acquisition of 493 Connecticut Ave., and adopts FY25‑26 budgets

The Norwalk Water Pollution Control Authority voted unanimously on Feb. 18 to approve a sewer user charge increase effective July 1, 2025; to authorize purchase or acquisition (including exercise of eminent domain powers if necessary) of 493 Connecticut Avenue for sanitary‑sewer purposes; and to adopt the authority's FY25‑26 operating and capital budgets.

The rate change—described by staff as "about a 4.4 percent increase for single‑family residence[s]"—was approved after the commission held a public hearing during which no members of the public spoke. Chairman Darren Osterfein read the published notice into the record and the commission moved to adopt the new charges by recorded voice vote. All five members present voted yes: Austin Fine, Mr. Bovey, Manella, Mrs. Smith and Ms. Dunn.

The WPCA also voted to authorize the chairman, or his designee, to "execute and deliver any and all agreements, documents and other instruments necessary to purchase, acquire and or take by exercise of eminent domain powers" for the property identified as 493 Connecticut Avenue. The authorization language read by the chairman mirrors a Common Council action taken at its Feb. 11, 2025 meeting that authorized the Mayor, Harry W. Wierling, or his designee, to take similar steps. The motion on the WPCA authorization passed unanimously.

The authority approved the FY25‑26 operating budget (motion by Manella) and the FY25‑26 capital budget (motion by Bovey); staff told the commission that the operating budget is nearly identical to the package discussed the prior month aside from two minor finance department revisions. Both budget measures passed unanimously.

Legal counsel, Aaron Callahan, addressed a procedural question about the earlier public hearing being convened unofficially before a quorum was present. Callahan said he believed the hearing to be lawful and that he would