Proctor Selectboard hears $5.4 million wastewater upgrade plan; town warned of roughly $22 monthly sewer increase

Jeff Lewis of engineering firm Aldrich & Elliott presented the Selectboard with a proposed $5.4 million project to upgrade Proctor’s wastewater treatment facility and remove decades of accumulated sludge. Lewis said equipment is more than 20 years old, the ultraviolet disinfection system is at end of life, liners need replacement and sludge has not been removed for over 20 years.

Lewis outlined a funding scenario that assumes $117,000 in engineering subsidy and $750,000 in construction subsidy, a 20% pollution-control grant, and financing of $3,265,800 through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for 20 years at 2 percent. Under those assumptions he presented an annual loan payment of $200,262, which when divided across 760 sewer users results in an estimated $22 per month increase for each sewer account. A project flyer was mailed to all residents; Lewis and the Town Manager said additional grant details will be shared at the March Town Meeting.

Town Manager Judy Frazier directed residents with questions to the Town Office at 802-459-3333 x13. No final financing decision was made at the meeting; the board reviewed the evaluation and will consider next steps as staff pursues grant funding and the board prepares materials for town meeting.