Torrington council approves WPCA budget, sets sewer fee and signs off on multiple purchases and grant applications

The Torrington City Council on May 18 approved a series of budget, procurement and grant actions, including the WPCA annual budget and five‑year capital plan, a new sewer use fee for 2026–27 and several equipment purchases and resolutions.

Acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, the council voted unanimously to set the sewer use fee for the year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, at $434.00 per dwelling unit for residential users and $434.00 per 65,000 gallons for other users. The board also approved the WPCA annual budget, the WPCA five‑year capital improvement program through 2031, and the WPCA miscellaneous fee schedule for the same fiscal year. WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey explained that the neighboring town of Litchfield is metered at the town line and billed on actual gallonage, while Harwinton is billed on a per‑unit 65,000‑gallon standard pending a new intermunicipal agreement.

Other unanimous council actions included:

- Approval of emergency roof replacement and chimney rebuild for Small Cities Committee Project #143 PI‑49 in the amount of $17,847.09 (motion by Councilor Oliver; seconded by Councilor Cavagnero).

- Adoption of Resolution #143‑292 authorizing a lease‑purchase agreement to acquire a John Deere 5095M Series Tractor with a TIGER BB‑18 mount (or similar), with project cost not to exceed $185,913.32 and a lease term up to five years (motion by Councilor Cavagnero; seconded by Councilor Oliver). The resolution authorizes the Mayor to finalize financing terms and includes non‑appropriation language.

- Adoption of Resolution #143‑293 authorizing a Safe Streets and Roads for All planning grant application of up to $300,000 for a Torrington High School intersection planning project and committing to the required 20 percent local match ($60,000) from FY2028 appropriations if the grant is awarded (motion by Councilor Beyus; seconded by Councilor Maniccia).

- Approval to purchase coin‑operated parking meters from Mackay Meters Inc. (Nova Scotia) for an amount not to exceed $47,677.50, to be charged to the Parking Authority capital account (motion by Councilor Cavagnero; seconded by Councilor Beyus).

- Approval of after‑hours Facilities Technician rates for use of city buildings: regular time $45.00/hour ($135 three‑hour minimum), overtime $67.50/hour ($202.50 three‑hour minimum), double time $90.00/hour ($270 three‑hour minimum); all after‑hours call‑ins billed at overtime and all Sunday/holiday assignments billed at double time (motion by Councilor Oliver; seconded by Councilor Maniccia).

The meeting record shows the votes on the recorded motions were unanimous among officials present. The council also approved a mayoral appointment of Mario Colao to the Aquarion Water Authority Representative Policy Board for a two‑year term beginning July 1, 2026.

The meeting concluded with department updates, including a report that the Board of Public Safety passed the fire budget item that funds Torringford Fire Department coverage by a 4–2 vote and an update from Corporation Counsel Tomasz Kalinowski on the Yankee Pedlar litigation, with the trial court phase closed and a judicial decision expected within the technically allowed 120 days.

Votes at a glance (selected items): • Sewer use fee (FY 2026–27): $434.00 per dwelling unit; $434.00 per 65,000 gallons for other users — approved unanimously. • WPCA annual budget and five‑year CIP: approved unanimously. • Resolution #143‑292 (lease‑purchase of tractor/mower, ≤ $185,913.32): adopted unanimously. • Resolution #143‑293 (Safe Streets planning grant application, up to $300,000; 20% match): adopted unanimously. • Coin‑operated parking meters (≤ $47,677.50): approved unanimously. • Emergency roof replacement Project #143 PI‑49 ($17,847.09): approved unanimously.

The council adjourned at 9:22 p.m. on May 18, 2026.