Herbst Requesting Referendum on Trumbull Wastewater Treatment Options

First Selectman Tim Herbst will request a Town Council and Board of Finance meeting to act on a possible legal settlement related to Trumbull’s wastewater treatment by Bridgeport.

Bridgeport has tentatively agreed to a 10-year deal with Trumbull to continue treating its wastewater.

“My administration has been actively engaged in developing legal settlements relative to the Mark IV Construction litigation as well as working through mediation in the Bridgeport Superior Court to develop a settlement with Bridgeport concerning our contract to treat our effluent,” Herbst said. “It is critical that all stakeholders review these potential settlement options and act collectively to begin repairs in the Jog Hill section of Trumbull and settle the contract with Bridgeport.”

Herbst will also ask the Town Council for a referendum question on whether voters support pursuing a regional wastewater treatment with another municipality. The referendum is necessary because the total cost of a decision would be in excess of $15 million over the next several years, Herbst said.

“I believe an alternate regional agreement, with Stratford, Fairfield, or a combination of both, could long term reduce Trumbull’s sewer use rates, which is a primary goal of my administration,” he said. “I believe partnering long term with another municipality other than Bridgeport would be better for Trumbull ratepayers and taxpayers.”