Selectmen consider water & sewer rate hikes

The Water/Sewer Rate Committee is recommending an increase in water and sewer rates effective July 1. For the average Canton ratepayer, it will mean an annual increase of $18.12 for water and $46.76 for sewer. Canton sends quarterly bills to its ratepayers.

Selectmen took the recommendation under advisement and will likely take action at its next meeting on June 8.

The committee is made up of DPW Superintendent Mike Trotta, Finance Director Jim Murgia, and a representative from the Finance and Capital Planning committees. Its advisor is Doug Gardner, president of Pioneer Consulting Group.

Gardner, who presented a report to selectmen at Tuesday night’s meeting, said factors leading to the increases were debt, utilities, and sewer assessments from the Mass. Water Resources Authority (MWRA).

Gardner said the increases average out to 4 percent for water and 9 percent for sewer, with the rates rising for those who use more water. Those who use the least amount of water will see only a minimal increase.

Gardner said last year’s restructuring of the rates saw water revenues increase and expenses decrease, which could result in a surplus. He said sewer revenues, at best, could be even with sewer expenses in the coming fiscal year.

Looking to the future, Trotta said dependence on MWRA water could significantly decline in the next couple of years with the addition of water treatment plants on Pecunit and Neponset streets. The bad news is that rising MWRA debt could boost sewer assessments for 2015 and beyond. Gardner said 60 percent of the MWRA assessment for Canton is for sewer costs.

In other news:

* Selectmen announced the public roads that will receive Chapter 90 roadway money for paving this summer and fall. They are: Chapman Street from Legion to Spaulding streets, Old Coach Road, Will Drive, Flintlocke Road, Pinebrook Road, Cobblestone Road, Curtis Road, Westdale Road, First Parish Road, Breton Drive, Williams Street, Lewis Road, Kenney Street, Pequit Street, and Everendon Road. Any leftover funds will be used for paving at the new DPW garage on Bolivar Street.

* Selectmen held a moment of silence in remembrance of Edward Dockray and Dominic Alfano, both of whom passed away recently.

* Alcoholic beverage and entertainment licenses were approved for the three-day Irish Cultural Festival June 17-19 at the Irish Cultural Centre. Hours for the licenses are 5-10 p.m. on June 17, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 18, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 19.

* Meg Kennedy was appointed as a member of the Canton Youth Commission.

* Selectmen acknowledged the retirements of firefighter James Podgurski and Luce School teacher Joyce Mahn.

* Selectmen Chairman John Connolly praised the work of Columbia Gas, which returned to make repairs to Washington Street near the town cemetery in time for the Memorial Day observances. Connolly had criticized the company for its original work, when the company dug a trench along the street for a new gas line.

* Connolly confirmed that the town will be looking for a new human resources officer to manage both municipal and school employees. Lori Soloway, the current human resources officer, will leave her position at the end of June.

* Selectmen changed their next meeting date from Tuesday, June 7, to Wednesday, June 8, at 3 p.m. at Town Hall.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=5632

Posted by Mike Berger on Jun 1 2011. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.