Seeking to end an eight-month vacancy, the Rockland Board of Sewer Commissioners authorized a significant pay increase for the town’s top sewer official on Wednesday night. Board members described the current job requirements as archaic for the modern industry, ultimately agreeing to raise the potential salary range for the Superintendent position to between $110,000 and $140,000 depending on experience. The decision comes as the town prepares to launch a massive $35 million infrastructure upgrade while operating under a strict administrative order from the EPA.

The board’s discussion centered on the unique difficulties of recruiting for the Rockland system, which member Mathew Ryan characterized as a one-man crew operation. Ryan noted that while the job description remains demanding, the previous salary cap of $115,000 was no longer competitive. Nine years ago that job was paying $100,000, Ryan said. We are at $110,000 to $115,000; it’s just not realistic. The job as it is set right now is archaic. Motion Made by M. Ryan to increase the salary range for the Superintendent position to $110,000–$140,000 +/- depending on qualifications and experience. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Chair Michael Mullen emphasized that the town is looking for a genie in the bottle who can balance boots-on-the-ground maintenance with high-level technical regulations and procurement experience. To make the role more attractive, the board is pursuing a two-track strategy: increasing the immediate pay while simultaneously drafting a job description for a new collections staff member to eventually assist the superintendent with daily field tasks. We’ve been operating amazingly in the interim, but we really haven't had a permanent leader for probably five or six years, Mullen said, adding that the incoming leader will inherit a project of significant complexity. We have the beginning of Phase 1, which is likely a $35 million project.

To ensure stability during this transition and the upcoming fall budget season, the board also secured a commitment from Interim Superintendent David Taylor to remain in his post through the end of February 2026. Taylor noted that even if a candidate is hired this autumn, the onboarding and budget cycles would require his continued presence. You have the Capital Improvement Plan in October, semiannual in November, and then the budget is due in January, Taylor explained. I would think end of February would be the minimum. Motion Made by M. Ryan to extend David Taylor's interim superintendent contract to the end of February 2026. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The board also addressed emerging policy concerns regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). As the town adapts to new regulations, Taylor warned that the commission must be proactive in managing how these new units tie into the existing sewer infrastructure, particularly regarding separate units that could eventually become rentals. This could be an opportunity to make homeowners inspect their laterals if they are tying into existing ones, Taylor said. We don't want people flipping houses only for the new owner to find out five years later they aren't tied in right. Administrative Assistant Robin confirmed she is currently researching how other municipalities are structuring fee schedules for ADUs to ensure Rockland remains consistent.

Consistency was a recurring theme during the meeting, particularly regarding sewer bill abatements. The board reviewed a pending request from a resident seeking relief for a leaking pool. While the formal request had not yet been filed, Mullen signaled he would maintain a firm stance against such credits to avoid the slippery slope issues seen in previous years. I just want to be mindful of the consistency that we need to approach on that if and when we do receive the request, Mullen said. Member Walter Simmons agreed, stating, I agree we have to be consistent. Robin noted she had already cautioned the resident that the board typically does not grant abatements for irrigation or pool-related usage. I told the gentleman it would be more perceived as an appeal process because we normally wouldn't [abate] for something in that situation, she said.

In a routine administrative move, the board authorized a new drain layer license for the ongoing Holbrook Family School project. Motion Made by M. Ryan to approve the New England Style Inc. drain license. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Operations Staff Megan provided the monthly performance report for July, noting that despite five inches of rainfall, the plant remained well within its limits. Total monthly flow for July was 48 million gallons. Average flow was 1.6 million gallons per day, well under our 2.5 limit, Megan reported. She also highlighted several cost-saving measures, including in-house repairs to the belt filter press and using electricians from a neighboring facility to replace an influent pump drive. The influent pump VFD was replaced by electricians from a neighboring facility, which saved money, she noted, adding that the plant is also meeting its 0.1 phosphorus permit requirement. Looking ahead, Taylor informed the board that the Forest Street station rehabilitation is set to begin next week with the replacement of the station's electrical box.

Finally, Taylor updated the board on the progress of the $35 million Phase 1 project, noting that the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) is meeting weekly and that a cash flow analysis from engineering firm Wright-Pierce is imminent. He expressed confidence that the town’s $1 million in ARPA funds and a $1.5 million bond would sustain the project through July of next year. The town has already approved $30-$35 million earmarked for this, so we're way ahead of other towns that are having to scramble for special town meetings, Taylor said.