Selectmen approve increase in sewer rates

Date: 12/15/2008

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



WILBRAHAM An incredibly soggy spring and summer this year have led to a need to increase the town's sewer rates for the next six months, according to Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Ed Miga.

During February and March 2008 -- "a horrific time for us," Miga said -- there were significant spikes in the sewer flow to the city of Springfield, which handles the town's sewer system.

The spikes were caused by melting snow and rainfall. Similar spikes were seen during the flooding that occurred in October 2005.

During this time, sewer fees from the city went over budget by $95,000. A very wet summer -- which meant residents didn't need to water their lawns as often also led to a decrease in revenues of about $60,000.

"The Department of Revenue needs to make sure our rate structure covers all expenses," Miga explained. The department recommended increasing the sewer rate from $3.30 to $4.10 per 100 cubic feet for residential properties, and will increase to $5 for commercial properties.

"It's going to be necessary to cover unexpected expenses," he continued. "The only good part of this is that compared to other MWRA [Massachusetts Water Resources Authority] communities, we're still way below the average rate."

Through 2008, the MWRA average rate was $5.70 per 100 cubic feet, with the average home going through 90,000 gallons a year.

"It's [increasing the rate] not something we'd like to do, but something we need to do," Miga told the Board of Selectmen during the Dec. 8 meeting.

Selectman James Thompson asked if it was possible for the town to adjust the rate back down in the next fiscal year.

"There is a potential for that," Miga replied, "but the sewer department will be going through some substantial changes in the next two years due to the Main Street project. There will be turmoil for a year until the customer base stabilizes."

Patrick Brady, chair of the Board of Selectmen, inquired about sewer department reserves.

Miga said there is currently about $100,000 in retained earnings that the DPW could use for lowering the rates or capital improvement projects, pending voter approval at the Annual Town Meeting in the spring.

Brady also asked what the average bill would be with the rate increase. Miga said the bills in May would be about $50 more than the current cycle's.

Selectman David Barry noted that the rate increase would only affect those who currently use the town's sewer system. It will not affect taxpayers as a whole.

Barry made the motion to accept the new rate structure for the next six months, and the board unanimously approved.