Worcester’s Sewer Dispute with Holden

By-Hank Stolz

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WORCESTER, MA– Worcester Mayor Joe Petty is pushing back against a recent appeals court ruling that requires the city to pay the town of Holden more than thirty million dollars in a longstanding sewage dispute. While the court found Worcester liable, Petty contends that the matter has been misinterpreted. He maintains Worcester’s contract is with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, not with Holden directly, and argues that the state is ultimately responsible for failing to uphold its contractual obligations.

The mayor warned that the ruling, if left unchallenged, would carry significant consequences for Worcester residents, estimating that the average taxpayer would face an additional $300 burden. Petty stressed that Worcester taxpayers should not be subsidizing sewerage services for neighboring communities and suggested that the city should reconsider renewing its sewerage contracts with Holden, Rutland, and West Boylston in order to avoid future financial liabilities. “Why are we in this business? The state owes us the money. Our contract is with the state of Massachusetts, and they have not paid us,” he said.

City officials have not yet determined whether Worcester will pursue another appeal. Petty acknowledged the decision is complex, noting that accruing interest continues to increase the city’s potential liability and that another court loss could result in millions more in costs.

In addition to addressing the sewerage dispute, Mayor Petty outlined a new initiative aimed at improving Worcester’s visual landscape. He plans to work with property owners to clean up and enhance blighted and vacant lots, particularly in the downtown area, as part of broader efforts to improve the city’s aesthetics and quality of life.