WILTON — Taxpayers are invited to voice their thoughts on a recommendation that the town provide $170,368 from taxes to help cover the costs of a $10.8 million sewer treatment plant renovation.

A public hearing takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, at Academy Hill School.

A short presentation will be given, but there is no new information, Town Manager Rhonda Irish said Thursday. 

Following the hearing, the board will likely decide on the recommended amount for the proposed town budget, which will be reviewed by the Finance Committee before selectpersons approve the budget, she said. 

No new rates will be set until it is known whether there will be an additional tax supplement above the $30,000 taxpayers voted to put in for Phase 1 debt on the project, she said.

Earlier this month, Sewer Department Superintendent Justin Futia recommended the town contribute $170,368 annually over the life of loans needed for Phase 2.

Only about half of the town is on the sewer system, but the town has previously picked up a portion of debt on the plant. For about 20 years, the town contributed $20,000 to the original debt.

Over the past few years, taxpayers have voted to spend $30,000 to help pay for Phase 1 renovation loans. 

The reasoning for the request has been that Wilson Lake, a recreational  area used by the public, is cleaner because of the waste treatment system, and business development along Route 2 is enhanced because of it, Irish previously said.

But, some selectpersons have questioned whether it is fair to ask all taxpayers to contribute to the cost.

Some residents have told board members that they have their own private septic systems and did not have help putting them in. 

There are 944 ratepayers in the system. A minimal user saw their bill increase from $64 to $104 per quarter in 2012, the first rate increase since 1987.

They now pay $439.78 annually to cover Phase I loan debt, operations and maintenance.

If the town contributes only $30,000 this year, the annual rate would jump to $737.43 to cover three loans, maintenance and operations.

For sewer customers on fixed incomes, that increase is not something they can afford, Selectman Jeffrey Rowe previously said.

The board has asked to hear from residents before making a decision. Use of taxpayer funds requires approval by voters at the annual town meeting in June.

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