Wayland wastewater commission approves 9 percent rate hike for FY27

WAYLAND -- May 11, 2026, Wayland wastewater panel approves 9 percent FY27 rate hike in unanimous vote. The Wastewater Management District Commission, chaired by Michael Gitten, settled Monday on a 9 percent across-the-board increase, setting the base charge at $9.56 per 100 cubic feet, tier one at $7.52 and tier two at $22.58. Member Darrin Bock agreed to "meet in the middle" between his preferred 8.5 percent and consultant Matt Abrahams's higher scenarios to preserve a roughly 10-point retained-earnings buffer ahead of a looming capital bubble. Wastewater Administrator Sarah Pawluczonek reported a $37,000 net revenue gain for FY26, driven by a nearly $200,000 privilege-fee settlement with Town Center, about $70,000 above the standard schedule. The district will hold a formal rate hearing June 8 at noon.