Potential water and sewer rates for FY27

Water rates are expected to increase 7.5%, and sewer rates are estimated to raise 15% in Fiscal Year 2027, due to rising costs. 

In the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, water expenses for the town increased by 9.7% and sewer expenses increased by 22%.

The water rate will be increasing for a number of reasons, including lowering the expected Fiscal Year 2028 increase and helping fund the Water Enterprise Fund. This fund is used to purchase water that the town cannot provide and is used most often to buy water from New Bedford. 

Sewer rates will be increasing in response to rising monthly costs.

Public Works Director Tim Barber is looking into methods of biosolid removal that will continue to be a revenue source for the town. There has been a slight decrease in sewer usage in the past year, due to conservation efforts. 

Last year, the sewer rate increase was 7.5% and only brought in about $60,000. With costs to the town growing exponentially, the rates need to increase to cover these costs and to cover the enterprise funds. 

During a joint meeting with the Select Board on July 13, the Boards will discuss these rates. The aim is to finalize rate increases by the end of July. The Board of Public Works will vote on the rate increase during their next meeting following the Select Board meeting. 

The rates will change on bills for August 2026, when the first quarter of FY27 starts.