Town officials update sewer project: maximum EDU cost stated at $651, plant expected by December

Board members provided a substantive update on the ongoing sewer project, outlining cost allowances, hookup rules and a timeline for the processing plant. The board said the maximum cost of an EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) is "roughly $651," that lateral hookups to the street will be provided at no charge during the initial construction phase, and that private-property hook-ups beyond the street lateral would be the homeowner's responsibility if completed after construction.

"Cost of an EDU will be roughly $651," Committee member (S3) said when describing the project finance assumptions. The board explained that the initial construction includes paid hookups to the street lateral as part of the project budget; later hookups done after the construction period will be at the homeowner or business's expense. Project leaders also reported that the processing plant requires re-engineering work and that conversations with engineering firm Jurson and potential operator Cedarwood are ongoing. The plant was described as likely to be able to process by the end of December, but additional engineering and operator decisions remain to be finalized.

Board members said user agreements will be required when hookups occur and that the town will need to budget for operations and possible temporary operator support during the construction-to-operation transition. Next steps: staff to finalize engineering numbers, circulate draft user-agreement language, and return with cost updates when the re-engineering is complete.