Water and sewer enterprises face higher operating and debt costs in Taunton FY2025 budget

Taunton officials presented the FY2025 enterprise budgets for water and sewer during the Committee of the Whole.

The water enterprise fund request was announced at $13,216,824.25, described as inclusive of payroll, operating, indirect and debt costs. Officials noted indirect-cost allocations to mayoral and automation functions (health insurance and pension being major drivers) and said the council would receive debt schedules showing what obligations roll off in future years.

The sewer enterprise fund request was listed at $17,064,968.74. Presenters told the council that the operating-cost increase is largely attributable to contract costs for sludge removal (Veolia) and that the city will see higher principal and interest charges as the $100+ million wastewater treatment plant upgrade’s debt comes online.

Officials said they are actively pursuing operational efficiencies to reduce sludge removal and that the wastewater treatment plant is expected to be fully operational in the coming six months, at which point the city hopes to capture additional savings.