Voters approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Wastewater Division operating budget under Article 6, though the discussion highlighted an expected increase in costs as the town’s $207 million sewer project progresses. The current budget is funded through the Wastewater Stabilization Fund.

During the discussion, resident Paul Kim Burner questioned the long-term sustainability of the funding, asking, It's funded this year. What happens next year? Town Administrator Robert L. Whritenour explained that the town is currently in the construction phase for the new wastewater facility and that residents should expect costs to scale up as the project reaches its 2028 opening date.

The costs at this point are our ramp-up costs and we'll see those growing over the next several years and then stabilizing at an amount to operate the new plant which will open up in 2028, Whritenour said. The appropriation was approved unanimously as the town continues its multi-year rollout of wastewater infrastructure.

Motion: I move Article 6 as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Vote: Passed Unanimously