Whitman Public Works Board Approves Two Promotions, Weighs $395 Trash Rate

WHITMAN -- October 15, 2025, Whitman Public Works commissioners approved two employee promotions and a $3.6 million water and sewer billing commitment at their October 15 meeting while debating a proposed trash rate increase. The board unanimously promoted Michael Benvisuto and Alec Moules to Class 2 heavy equipment operators, effective October 20, after both obtained required hoisting licenses, and separately approved a step raise for Benvisuto ahead of his two-year anniversary. Superintendent Bruce Martin told commissioners the annual per-unit trash rate needs to rise from $360 to $395, an 11 percent increase, to cover disposal costs, calling a separate $25-per-unit indirect-cost surcharge proposed by Select Board member Sean Cain "a cash grab" without sufficient backup calculation. The board approved a water and sewer billing commitment totaling $3,649,047.13 and set a tentative open house at the new public works facility for November 15 from 9 to 11 a.m.