Board Recommends Water, Sewer Rate Increases

The Water and Sewer Review Board unanimously recommended water and sewer rate increases for fiscal 2014 during their Tuesday night session at Town Hall. 

Sewer Rate

DPW Director Robert Grover explained to the board that the MWRA's sewer assessment is $150,000 more in fiscal 2014 than 2013, and in 2013 the town was facing a shortfall of approximately $380,000.

In a May 3 letter to the board, Grover wrote, "This shortfall was anticipated in setting the (fiscal 2013) rates and it was to be made up by existing funds in the surplus revenue accounts. This was done to reduce the surplus revenue account in accordance with the town's fiscal guidelines."

Grover said that the town will need to raise an additional $500,000 in fiscal 2014, and a one cent increase would represent $610,000. So, his recommendation of an .80 cent increase was approved by the board.

Water Rate 

Meanwhile, Grover said that the MWRA's water assessment is $175,000 more for fiscal 2014 than in 2013. In fiscal 2013, the town was facing a shortfall of about $200,000, which was made up using existing funds from surplus revenue accounts.

A one cent increase on the water rate will raise about $9,000, Grover said. He recommended that the board increase the water rate by 20 cents to cover a potential shortfall, and any additional shortfalls can be covered by the surplus account. 

With the board approving both recommendations, Town Administrator David Ragucci has the final say on what the water and sewer rates will be, as he will make a determination based off the recommendation of the board, according to Grover.