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Camden approves FY27 wastewater budget, continues sewer lining program and authorizes John Street sidewalk agreement and sewer bid
Summary
The Select Board adopted the FY27 wastewater budget (small rate increases estimated $6–$12/year depending on use), approved continued lining and pump‑station investments that staff credited with ending SSOs since March 2024, and authorized the town manager to sign an MDOT sidewalk agreement (up to $600,000 net) and to solicit bids for a proposed John Street sewer project (~$1.5M estimate).
The Select Board voted to adopt the FY27 wastewater budget and to continue targeted capital work aimed at reducing sanitary sewer overflows and improving system reliability.
Budget and rates: Staff presented a proposed overall wastewater budget increase of about 3.56 percent. Officials said that equates to an average household annual increase of roughly $6 for a low user, about $9 for a medium user and $12 for a high user. The board voted to adopt the budget and to continue funding a wastewater upgrade reserve, with a plan to build approximately $600,000 in reserves (one year of the plant‑upgrade bond payment) over three years.
Collection system upgrades and SSO mitigation: Town engineers summarized projects completed with rural‑development and infrastructure bond funds: a new generator at Rossen Avenue pump station, the Molino Road sewer extension (conveying flow for ~52 homes), and an in‑place sewer lining program that rehabilitated about 10,000 ft of clay mains in 2025 (targeting Mechanic, Union and Washington streets). Presenters said the town has had no sanitary sewer overflow events since March 2024 and credited lining, improved pump‑station reliability and valve adjustments that reroute flows as key contributors.
Sludge and PFAS issues: Staff noted ongoing challenges disposing of biosolids (sludge) with elevated PFAS concentrations in some regional waste streams; staff described regional treatment and drying facilities coming online that may expand disposal options but said uncertainty persists.
John Street and MDOT sidewalk: The board discussed a proposed combined set of projects on John Street: an MDOT‑led sidewalk project for which MDOT proposes to contribute funds and a town‑managed portion; and a town sewer extension for properties along John Street. Staff said MDOT will contribute about $960,000 in the project package but that the town needs to account for design/inspection and a remaining local share; staff asked for authorization to sign a contract with MDOT up to $600,000 (conservative allowance for the town’s net share after state contributions). The board authorized the town manager to enter such an agreement — contingent on final MDOT bureau approval — and approved going out to bid on the John Street sewer project (estimated construction cost ~$1.5M). Town staff emphasized that the board will see bids and final contract terms for approval prior to construction.
Financial context and next steps: Staff and board members discussed allocation of infrastructure‑bond costs between general fund and sewer ratepayers; staff said about one third of current bond‑funded work has been charged to wastewater to date. Members asked for amortization numbers and clearer estimates of annual debt‑service impacts per $1 million borrowed. Staff agreed to supply amortization scenarios and to return with bid results and any recommended final financing allocations before execution.
What’s next: Staff will provide amortization detail and follow up on bidding and MDOT contract finalization. The board’s authorizations allow staff to proceed with procurement steps while retaining final contract approval.
