A customer who uses 6,000 gallons of water/wastewater per month will see his bill increase by $1.23 or 1.8 percent. Someone who uses 10,000 gallons per month would see his bill go up by $1.65.
The increase is expected to raise $40,000.
According to town’s code of ordinances, all rates established by fees and charges are adjusted annually. At its Sept. 12 town meeting, most council members voted for the fee change, saying the increase was minimal.
“I’m not going to see the difference for $1.68,” council member Cindy Austino said.
But council member Phil Aridas disagreed. “I have trouble with this,” he said. “It only brings in $40,000 when people are struggling. I’m against this.”
“We had a water study done in 2005,” Town Manager Mike Bornstein said. “Technically we’re required to bring it to you.”
Council member Lynn Moorhouse said he thought the town’s rates were very fair.
Mayor Dave Stewart said the fee was service-based. “Those who get the service pay for it.”
— Mary Thurwachter
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