Selectmen Approve New Water Rate Structure

Water in Sharon just got a bit pricier for some residents. With a 2-1 vote, the selectmen voted for the new water rates structure with some changes from the proposal made by DPW Superintendent Eric Hooper.

Instead of the proposed $15 quarterly base rate, a rate of $20 was part of the motion made by Selectman Bill Heitin.

Selectman Joe Roach was the lone vote against the bill due to the change in the motion but supported the increase in the rates.

“I agree that every year we have to go back and revisit it. We can’t say this takes care of it for two years. We have to go back and revisit this every year but I don’t think we should be doing it two or three times(a year),” Roach said.

Under the plan with the $15 quarterly base rate, the town was expected to raise $2.5 million in revenue. The increase to $20 would add $100,000 in revenue according to Heitin.

“There are some communities where it’s $80 a quarter. I think it’s relatively inexpensive under today’s standards,” Heitin said.

An addition $300,000 from revenue sources such as cell towers on water tanks and water fees for permits brings the revenue up to 2.9 million but it is still $200,000-$300,000 less than what the town’s master plans calls for in order to allow for the creation for a fund for large projects and repairs.

“We’re going to take another step forward to maintaining that infrastructure which has been woefully underfunded for as long as I can remember,” Heitin said. “I don’t think we can continue to delay.”

Selectman Richard Powell agreed with the increase in the base rate, citing a need to improve the town’s infrastructure.

“We can all agree that we want to improve our infrastructure and we’re going to have to get there somehow. There’s only so much you can do relative with the block rates and I think this is the way to do it,” Powell said.

While the rates will mostly remain the same, some of the block break points will decrease with a slight increase in the middle blocks for the summer rates.

Hooper said he is expecting a decrease in water use with the change in the rate structure.

“As people water’s becomes more expensive, they use less.  I can personally guarantee you that this is not going to result in what I’m hoping it does. It will be something less,” Hooper said.

The new rates will take effect on January 1, 2014.

New Rates:

Fall/Winter:

• 0 - 4,500: $3 per 1,000 gallons
• 4,500 – 9,000: $6 per 1,000 gallons
• 9,000 – 22,500 - $8 per 1,000 gallon
• Over 22,500: $12 per 1,000 gallons

Spring/Summer:

• 0 - 4,500: $4 per 1,000 gallons
• 4,500 – 9,000: $7 per 1,000 gallons
• 9,000 – 22,500: 10 per 1,000 gallon
• Over 22,500: $13.50 per 1,000 gallons

Other:

• Base Rate: $30
• 0 - 4,500: $4 per 1,000 gallons
• 4,500 – 9,000: $4.50 per 1,000 gallons
• 9,000 – 22,500: $5 per 1,000 gallon
• Over 22,500: $5.50 per 1,000 gallons

Irrigation Only:

• Base Rate: $37.50
• 0 - 4,500: $10 per 1,000 gallons
• 4,500 – 9,000: $10 per 1,000 gallons
• 9,000 – 22,500: $11 per 1,000 gallon
• Over 22,500: $13.50 per 1,000 gallons