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Lane County ratifies MWMC 2026–27 regional wastewater budget and CIP; board votes 5‑0
Summary
The Lane County Board of Commissioners unanimously ratified the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission's FY2026–27 regional wastewater budget and capital improvement plan, approving rate and capital proposals tied to an updated 20‑year facilities plan and major upgrades estimated at about $350 million.
The Lane County Board of Commissioners on May 19 unanimously ratified the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission's (MWMC) fiscal year 2026–27 regional wastewater program budget and five‑year capital improvement plan.
MWMC Executive Director Matt Stauter told the board the commission updated its 20‑year facilities plan and "have identified about $350,000,000 worth of upgrades that'll be needed over the next 20 years." He said the budget must be ratified by all three governing bodies before final adoption by the commission.
Why it matters: MWMC oversees regional wastewater treatment for parts of Lane County, Eugene and Springfield; the board's ratification is a required governance step and affects the regional component of wastewater rates paid by local customers.
MWMC staff described operational pressures driving the request: aging assets, federally driven regulatory investments and declining base flows as fixtures become more efficient and household sizes shrink. Staff also described revenue sources that help offset rate pressure, including a renewable natural gas system and lease revenues.
Michelle Miranda, wastewater division director for the City of Eugene, summarized the plant's operations and capacity, noting the treatment facility typically handles 25–30 million gallons per day in summer, can treat up to 277 million gallons per day during wet weather events, and recorded flows as high as about 230 million gallons per day in the last year.
Stauter and Miranda outlined capital work planned under the CIP, including upgrades to the Glenwood pump station, construction of a new administration and operations building, and a multiyear aeration‑basin upgrade (described by staff as roughly a $30,000,000 project expected to finish in 2028) that is intended to improve energy efficiency and pollutant removal.
Staff presented a proposed regional rate component increase of 5.5% alongside an overall MWMC budget increase of about 7.3% for the year. Commissioner Lovell asked about the risk of cost shifts if surrounding communities do not connect to the regional system; staff said planning continues for potential service‑area expansion to accommodate flows from Creswell, Junction City and other nearby communities.
A motion to ratify order 26‑05‑19‑05 was made by the vice chair and seconded by Commissioner Lovell; the board voted to approve the order by voice vote, 5–0.
What's next: The MWMC budget will be finalized after ratification by all governing bodies and as staff completes any final administrative adjustments. The board did not direct further changes when it approved the ratification.
