Charlton commission votes to draft policy requiring upfront $8,200 connection fee for new construction

The Town of Charlton Water & Sewer Commission voted to instruct staff to draft a policy that would require developers and builders to pay the $8,200 connection (privilege/betterment) fee up front for any new construction where a betterment has not already been assigned.

Kathy Stanley, the town assessor, told commissioners the fee "allows somebody that is in an area where they can receive the service to pay the connection fee" and argued that requiring payment at the time of building is fairer than leaving new homeowners to discover the charge later. "If you're building a new house ... it's a drop in the bucket for them to pay that $8,200 upfront," Stanley said, noting that installing a septic system costs far more.

Commissioners discussed distinctions between genuinely new lots and preexisting properties that later add accessory dwelling units or second connections. The panel amended the motion so staff will prepare a written policy and associated permit language; the commission will review a draft at its July meeting and tentatively set an effective date of Aug. 1.

Cheryl, the collector, said the change could be handled as an internal permitting policy: "We can put something on the sewer permits pertaining to privilege or betterment fees being paid," she said, so payments are recorded at the time of permit issuance.

The commission emphasized flexibility for unusual circumstances and agreed to allow case-by-case exceptions while the new rule is implemented. Commissioners also asked staff to include ADUs (second connections on preexisting homes) in the draft policy.

The motion was approved by roll call vote; commissioners asked staff to return a clear draft and revised application forms for the July meeting.