Commission reviews large connection fees for 241 Sturbridge Road and upcoming developments

At its Jan. 7 meeting the Town of Charlton Water and Sewer Commission reviewed multiple proposed connections and privilege‑fee calculations, including a costly commercial tie‑in at 241 Sturbridge Road and a 33‑unit housing project on North Main.

Vinnie presented the 241 Sturbridge fee breakdown: a drinking water privilege fee of $110,122.20 based on an engineer‑provided 15,000 gallons per day figure (45 EDUs) and a sewer civil privilege fee calculated at 75 EDUs using $8,200 per EDU for a total of $615,000. "They gave us a figure of 15,000 gallons per day," Vinnie said, noting the engineer’s input and available spreadsheets showing the calculations.

Commissioners said the sums are significant and requested printed materials and a second review before making a final vote. One commissioner suggested an engineering evaluation of the receiving pump station and wet well at North Main before the town commits to additional flow, citing concern about near‑term plant capacity. Staff estimated a development could be built in about 18 months, while a new treatment plant would take multiple years.

Separately, staff reported a follow‑up billing action for 6 City Depot Road after a missed privilege‑fee calculation; the town is pursuing recalculation and collection through its lawyer.

Next steps: staff will provide printed calculation sheets for commission review and schedule capacity and wet‑well evaluations where needed prior to final connection approvals.