Town Council to Work with Water Commission, WPCA on Budget, Workload Concerns

The Tolland Water Commission and Water Pollution Control Authority reported to the council on Tuesday night with news of tight budgets. However, only the water commission announced that it will be raising its rates this year, which, according to commission member Glen MacDonald, would be the second rate increase in 20 years.

The rate would be increased to fund “systematic refurbishments and upgrades” that are needed, according to MacDonald. The council planned a meeting with the commission, scheduled for Tuesday, October 18 to discuss the budget and the difficulties of running the public utility primarily with the volunteer comission members. The commission will continue to work on its report.

The Tolland Water Pollution Control Authority will not be raising its rates, according to Chairman Todd Rolland and Vice-Chairman Jim Williams. Authority members will join in the October 18 discussions.

In other news, the town council has set a public hearing for September 27 at 7:30 p.m. for several resolutions:

• The acquisition of 30.5 acres of open space, donated by the Crystal Peat Humus Company, Inc. According to the agenda item, the land contains peat and cranberry bogs and a walking trail system. The conservation commission has planned a site walk for September 25.
• A tax exemption for personal property for equipment used exclusively for town purposes. According to the agenda, the town is currently taxing itself and receiving the taxed money related to two leased copiers, creating redundancies. Town Manager Steven Werbner said the exemption would “streamline” the system.
• The transfer of $270,000 to the Passive Open Space II account. The sum comes from the DEP Open Space Grant and is a partial reimbursement for the town’s recent acquisition of the Luce property. According to the agenda, the Passive Open Space III account is used for purchasing new open space property or development rights.

The council passed a resolution allowing the East of the River Action for Substance Abuse Elimination to apply for a $3,105 grant from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The council postponed the decision to approve an application to designate the Willimantic River Water Trail as a National Park Service Recreation Trail pending more information on the town’s financial responsibilities if it were to be granted.

The council's next meeting is scheduled for September 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the Hicks Memorial Municipal Building. Keep an eye on Patch for more information on the upcoming water rate changes.