Worcester City Manager Eric Batista Addresses $35M Sewer Ruling, Union Station Contract, and Police Recruitment

“We never had a contract with Holden. Our direct contract was the state of Massachusetts.”
City Manager Eric Batista

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA-Worcester City Manager Eric Batista discussed three key issues facing the city. He addressed the recent Supreme Judicial Court decision ordering Worcester to pay approximately $35 million to the town of Holden for sewer overcharges, explaining the city’s surprise at the verdict and the ongoing negotiations for a resolution. “We never had a contract with Holden. Our direct contract was the state of Massachusetts. We felt as though based on what we had negotiated with the state of Massachusetts, we were not in breach of a contract with the state.” said Batista.

 
He clarified the situation regarding the event management contract at Union Station, confirming that the long-time operator, Luciano’s, was not being forced out but that the city was exploring new management options through a competitive bid process. “This does not mean that Luciano’s does not have an opportunity to provide or submit a bid… if Lucianos is the awarding bidder, Luciano’s not going anywhere.
 
Finally, he detailed the city’s efforts to combat a shortage of police officers, including creative recruitment strategies and a push for state-level legislation to raise the maximum recruitment age. “One of the biggest thing that we have put forward is a home repetition to the delegation to increase the age from 32 to 39. I think we feel that that could be helpful to recruit as there are people who oftentimes are doing career changes or coming out of military and have the age to be able to come into their department.
 

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista Responds to WRRB Civilian Review Board Report

City Manager Eric Batista joined Hank Stolz on Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss the Worcester Regional Research Bureau’s civilian review board report, highlighting transparency, accountability, and systemic reform in city government. Batista also covered snow operation readiness, major housing developments, and the city’s ongoing negotiations with Spectrum.

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