New Fee Aimed At Town's Drainage System

BRAINTREE, MA — A new utility fee is being proposed to support work on the town's drainage system.

The new fee was discussed at last Wednesday's ways and means committee and is part of the proposed fiscal year 2019 budget, according to the Patriot Ledger.

Here's what is being proposed:

• $25 for single family homes
• $25 per 2,780 square feet of impervious surface for multi-family and commercial properties
• $2,900 property cap

James Arsenault, the director of the department of public works, said the fees would raise $630,000, about what the town spends to maintain the drainage system and related expenses. He added that the town is facing stricter state and federal regulations aimed at water pollution reduction.

The committee endorsed the fees, but Councilor Sean Powers said it was "a classic example of an unfunded federal mandate."

The full council will vote on the budget May 29.

Image: File Photo