“Rate Changes Balance Infrastructure Needs with Cost Relief for Residents“
The Select Board has approved the town’s Fiscal Year 2027 utility rates following a public hearing and detailed presentation from town staff and consultants.
Town Manager Jayne Wellman presented the proposal alongside consultant Matt Abrahams, Finance Director Sharon Angstrom, and DPW Director Christopher Cole. The discussion covered adjustments to water, sewer, and stormwater fees, as well as a change to second water meter pricing.
Under the approved plan, water rates will increase by 1 percent, while the minimum quarterly bill will remain set at two units. Officials described the increase as a modest adjustment to maintain the financial stability of the water enterprise fund. All usage and readings are in 100 cubic feet (HCF). 100 cubic feet equals 748 gallons.
| Tier | Usage Range | FY26 Rate | FY27 Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0–10 HCF | $11.15 | $11.26 | +$0.11 |
| Tier 2 | 11–25 HCF | $12.14 | $12.26 | +$0.12 |
| Tier 3 | 26–40 HCF | $12.45 | $12.57 | +$0.12 |
| Tier 4 | 41+ HCF | $12.97 | $13.10 | +$0.13 |
In contrast, sewer rates will decrease by 5 percent. The reduction reflects the use of retained earnings within the sewer fund and is intended to provide relief to ratepayers while maintaining long-term system sustainability.
| Tier | Usage Range | FY26 Rate | FY27 Rate | Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0–10 HCF | $10.40 | $9.88 | −$0.52 |
| Tier 2 | 11–25 HCF | $11.37 | $10.80 | −$0.57 |
| Tier 3 | 26–40 HCF | $11.73 | $11.14 | −$0.59 |
| Tier 4 | 41+ HCF | $12.24 | $11.63 | −$0.61 |
Although water rates increased by about 1 percent, the larger 5 percent sewer reduction results in an average net decrease of about 45 cents per HCF across the four usage tiers.
The board also approved a $10 annual increase to the stormwater fee, from $60 to $70. Finance Director Sharon Angstrom recommended the increase to support ongoing sustainability initiatives and ensure compliance with environmental regulations tied to stormwater management.
In addition, the Select Board established the second water meter rate as an average of the town’s tiered water pricing structure for a rate of $12.30. These meters are typically used for irrigation and other outdoor water uses that are not connected to the sewer system and do not incur the sewer charges.
Select Board member Melissa Murphy recused herself from the discussion and vote on the second water meter rate due to having a second water meter at her residence. She participated in all other portions of the utility rate discussion.
Each of the primary rate adjustments, including water, sewer, and stormwater, was approved unanimously by a 5–0 vote. The second water meter rate was approved separately by a 4–0 vote following Murphy’s recusal.
Board members emphasized the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with affordability for residents, noting that enterprise funds must remain self-supporting while also being responsive to changing financial conditions.
The approved rates will go into effect in Fiscal Year 2027 (beginning with the December 2026 billing cycle).
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