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Council hears updates on sludge disposal contract and flags sharp rise in sewage‑plant energy costs
Summary
Town officials said Synagro remains the sludge disposal contractor through June while a potential Cranston transfer option is under review; council members and plant staff warned electric bills at the wastewater plant have spiked and staff will audit bills with the utility.
Town Manager Sullivan updated the council on ongoing wastewater disposal arrangements and a possible contract with a Cranston facility. "We had a conference call with Viola," Sullivan said about the potential transfer partner; the town remains able to send sludge to Woonsocket and retains its Synagro contract through the end of June while Cranston finalizes internal paperwork and fee details.
Separately, plant staff and council members raised concerns about unexpectedly high electricity charges at the wastewater treatment plant. Plant personnel said recent monthly electric bills have reached the tens of thousands of dollars, prompting a review. "Something just doesn't seem right at this point," the plant operator said during the discussion, noting historical monthly charges had been much lower and that wet‑weather events can raise energy use.
The council directed staff to audit the utility invoices and confirm charges with Rhode Island Energy; if billing errors are found the town will pursue corrections. Manager Sullivan said the town is also tracking long‑term operational line items so forthcoming budgets reflect actual plant costs and avoid surprise overages.
Ending: The council received the updates and asked the manager and plant staff to follow up with a utility-bill audit and to report back with corrective steps and any needed budget requests.
