Western Massachusetts legislators seek seats for ratepayers on Springfield Water and Sewer commission

Lawmakers from Western Massachusetts told the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government that communities that pay for Springfield Water and Sewer service lack representation on the commission that sets rates and oversees projects. Senator Adam Hinds (testifying on behalf of House Bill 2330) and Representatives Benjamin Finneran, Jose Oliveira and others asked the committee to report the bill favorably. They said the commission’s commissioners are appointed solely by the mayor of Springfield and that ratepayers in other communities — wholesale or peak customers and towns that contract for sewer service — have little or no voice despite paying the bills. Representative Benjamin Finneran said recent rate increases raised about $11 per month for customers served by the Springfield district and that local leaders had no role in that decision. Senator Oliveira and other sponsors proposed a governance change modeled on the MWRA formula: Springfield would retain majority appointment power but additional seats would give representation to other ratepaying towns; the bill would also create an advisory board and add an ombudsman position to advocate for ratepayers. Supporters said the bill is intended to improve transparency, reduce conflicts and ensure that infrastructure and emergency responses reflect the needs of all communities served. They said several mayors and municipalities were providing written support. The committee heard the testimony and did not act on the measure.