Wayland DPW board approves capital plans after losing zero-percent water loan

WAYLAND — February 24, 2026 — Wayland water project denied zero-percent state loan, forcing scramble for backup financing. DPW Director Tom Holder told the Board of Public Works on Feb. 24 that the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust rated the town's PFAS-mitigation project 231 — less than half the 538 the team predicted — and left Wayland off the intended use plan; he will testify on appeal March 24. Chair George Uveges said worst-case first-year debt service under conventional borrowing could hit "four to five million dollars." The board voted 4-0 to approve revised capital improvement plans and 4-0 to put member Ed Chiang's letter of support on BoPW letterhead, but took no vote on Article E after Uveges flagged missing references to $200,000 in water retained earnings and $50,000 for the transfer station. Superintendent Joe Doucette projected the snow and ice budget will run $400,000-$500,000 over, with the latest storm alone costing about $100,000.