The Newton Finance Committee voted to approve a $297,400 appropriation from the Sewer Fund surplus to pay for engineering design and bidding services for three wastewater pump stations.

Commissioner Carlos presented the request as part of phase 3 of the city's pump station rehabilitation program, noting the work will include field evaluations, preparation of 60/90/100% design documents, and bidding services. The contract covers evaluation, basis of design, quality control and preparation of bid-ready construction documents; the design work is expected to take about six months.

The commissioner said the upgrades respond to an assessment that identified priority deficiencies including aging pumps and motors, end-of-life emergency generators, deteriorated hatches and roofing, and electrical and control system components. "Our pump stations operate every day around the clock. They are critical infrastructure," the presenter said, describing the improvements as necessary to avoid backups into homes, businesses and roadways.

Councilor Humphrey moved approval; no substantive questions delayed the vote and the committee approved the appropriation by voice vote, recorded as 8-0.

Officials said the city will return in two weeks with construction work items for some pump stations and that the sewer fund reserve is currently healthy enough to fund the work in cash.