Sewer Showdown Escalates: Worcester Vows to Fight $2.7 Million Payout to Grafton

The city of Worcester is gearing up for a major legal battle, announcing its intention to appeal a recent Superior Court ruling that orders it to pay its neighboring town of Grafton a staggering $2.7 million in long-disputed sewer fees. This isn't just a minor squabble; it's a high-stakes financial showdown that has simmered for decades, now boiling over in the courts.

The judgment, handed down by Superior Court Judge Cindy S.

Cohen, found Worcester liable for unpaid sewer services provided to the area once occupied by the Grafton State Hospital. The hefty sum includes not only the principal amount but also significant interest, underscoring the protracted nature of this inter-municipal conflict.

Worcester officials, however, are far from ready to concede.

They vehemently dispute both the legal basis of the ruling and the accuracy of the financial calculation. City Manager Eric D. Batista confirmed the city's resolve to challenge the decision, stating that legal counsel is already preparing the appeal. This suggests a firm belief within Worcester's administration that the court has erred and that the city has a strong case for reversal.

The roots of this complex dispute stretch back to the 1970s, when an agreement was first struck for Worcester to provide sewer services to the Grafton State Hospital area.

According to Grafton's claims, Worcester ceased payments for these services in the mid-1990s, leading to the accumulation of the substantial debt now at the heart of the lawsuit.

However, Worcester presents a crucial counter-argument. The city contends that the landscape of the agreement fundamentally changed when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acquired the Grafton State Hospital property through eminent domain.

Worcester argues that this state intervention altered the city's responsibilities, essentially absolving it of the original payment obligations. This legal nuance is central to Worcester's defense and will likely be a key point in its appeal.

The financial impact is substantial. Grafton initially sought $1.8 million in unpaid fees, but with the inclusion of interest accrued over the years, the figure has ballooned to $2.7 million.

For a municipal budget, particularly in the current economic climate, such a payment represents a significant hit.

This isn't the first time these two communities have clashed over the issue. The case has been a recurring item on municipal agendas and in court dockets, reflecting the deep-seated disagreements over who owes what, and why.

The Superior Court's ruling marks a significant milestone, but with Worcester's immediate intent to appeal, it's clear this saga is far from over.

As the legal wheels continue to turn, both Worcester and Grafton are bracing for the next chapter in this contentious financial battle. The outcome of the appeal will not only determine a multi-million dollar payment but could also set precedents for inter-municipal agreements and responsibilities in cases involving state eminent domain.