Town staff flags sewer pump repairs, phased lateral inspections and possible rate bump

Town staff told the council that one pump at the eastward sewer station failed and is being repaired rather than replaced because the repair cost was considerably less than buying a new unit. "We got 1 sewer pump down at the eastward station," the staff member said, and added the pump had been sent to the shop with an expected multi‑week turnaround given parts lead times.

Staff outlined a plan to begin inspecting laterals — which had not all been camera‑inspected previously — starting on the West End in a phased pilot to determine how much can be accomplished in a single workday. The staff member said a full 60‑hour camera run had been quoted near $16,000–$17,000, so the town would first bring crews in for smaller runs to avoid expending reserves on an expensive, unrefined program. "This 1st round...there's not a whole lot to look at," the staff member said, noting the goal is to eliminate runs that aren't likely to show illegal tie‑ins before committing to deeper inspections.

Council members asked about the fiscal impact and whether sewer rates should rise to cover repairs and inspections. The staff member referenced a possible 3% increase under recent rate‑study guidance but warned that if treatment or other unplanned costs arrive, a 3% bump would merely break even. "If they're gonna do 3%, then our 3% would only break even," the staff member said, and asked the board to delay large commitments until staff returns with a more detailed proposal and the maintenance numbers for the vehicles and system.

The staff member also reminded the board there are existing ordinances to address illegal tie‑ins and that, where violations are discovered, enforcement is possible under town code. Council members directed staff to gather quotes, produce a phased plan and return with a clearer cost picture next month.