Fall River Council debates proposed utility rate increases amid taxpayer concerns

The Fall River City Council convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss critical ordinances and legislation, primarily focusing on proposed increases to water and sewer rates for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with public comments, where residents expressed concerns over the financial burden of rising taxes and utility rates.

One resident highlighted the impact of a proposed 5% increase in water and sewer rates, emphasizing that many taxpayers, including landlords, are already struggling with previous increases. The speaker pointed out that property taxes had risen significantly, and many citizens, particularly seniors, are feeling the strain of these financial demands. They urged the council to reconsider the proposed rate hikes and suggested a thorough audit of the city’s budget to identify potential cuts.

Following public comments, the council moved to the first agenda item, which involved a proposed ordinance for the fiscal year 2026 water and sewer rates. The council voted to amend the ordinance to reflect updated rates, which included a 5% increase for the current year and similar increases projected for the next three years. Paul Furlan, the administrator of community utilities, and Emily Arkey, the interim director of finance, presented the rationale behind the proposed increases, citing the need to replace free cash used in the previous budget and to support ongoing operational costs.

The councilors engaged in discussions about the budget, with some expressing a desire to explore alternative solutions to mitigate the financial impact on residents. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further review the budget and consider the concerns raised by the community.

Overall, the council's deliberations underscored the ongoing tension between necessary funding for city services and the financial realities faced by residents, setting the stage for continued discussions in future meetings.