Fall River City panel approves $32.4 million FY2027 sewer and stormwater budget with no rate increase

The Fall River City sewer and stormwater commission on the evening approved a $32,404,108 proposed fiscal year 2027 budget that keeps the sewer rate unchanged at $8.11 and the municipal stormwater fee at $50 per ERU per quarter.

Paul Furlan, who presented the budget, told commissioners the budget increased by “roughly about 450,000 from from last year” on both the expense and revenue sides but that staff were proposing no change to customer rates. He said higher usage from residential conversions and expanded industrial activity contributed to revenue gains, and that the department realized operational savings from lower chemical bids and plant improvements.

The proposed budget adds one full-time equivalent position shared between the water and sewer divisions to serve as a damage-prevention and inspection coordinator and to support state damage-prevention oversight. Furlan said that oversight has become more active and that the added FTE will be shared with the water side, with internal transfers to allocate costs.

Furlan also highlighted cost pressures: a roughly $300,000 increase in anticipated electricity costs tied to a citywide contract that began in January and higher professional-services costs under the plant O&M contractor. He described new or updated permit obligations, including an industrial pretreatment program and MS4 stormwater requirements, that will require more monitoring and tracking.

At the same time, Furlan said the department expects about a $400,000 decrease in debt service as some earlier general-obligation bonds and smaller debt items roll off, though he noted the budget still includes a recent $50 million loan authorization. "So, you know, that wraps us up where our revenues equal our expenses: $32,404,108, with a sewer rate of $8.11," he said.

After discussion and questions from commissioners about contract terms, staffing and the impact of recent storms, a commissioner moved to approve the FY2027 sewer commission budget; the motion was seconded and the Chair called the voice vote and announced the motion passed.

The commission will return to both boards if staff propose using retained earnings for capital purchases or transfers to stabilization accounts; Furlan said he is working with the CFO to prepare a list of proposed uses of retained earnings and stabilization transfers.

The commission also approved the minutes from prior meetings earlier in the same session.