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Western Massachusetts lawmakers seek seats for suburban ratepayers on Springfield Water and Sewer commission
Summary
Legislators from western Massachusetts sought changes to the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission's appointment structure so communities that buy water or use sewer services would have representation on the commission that currently is appointed by Springfield's mayor.
Local and regional lawmakers told the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government they support a bill, House 2330 (as presented), to change governance of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission so ratepaying communities outside Springfield would have appointed seats or advisory roles.
Representative Jake Finn, Senator Adam Oliveira and others said the commission is appointed solely by the mayor of Springfield and primarily reflects Springfield interests while serving customers in multiple surrounding towns. "Ratepayers without representation" was Rep. Finn's phrase during testimony asking the committee for a favorable report.
Nut graf: Supporters argued a new makeup — modeled in part on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority formula — would protect the interests of suburbs and small cities that buy water or send wastewater to Springfield and would add an ombudsman or advisory board to improve transparency and customer advocacy.
Several speakers noted a recent rate increase announced for district customers and said communities that purchase water or contract for sewer services had no formal voice in how rates were set. "We had absolutely no say in" an $11 monthly increase, Representative Finn said, urging that suburban representation be added while preserving Springfield's majority on the commission.
Testimony said the change would preserve majority appointment authority for Springfield, add representation for towns such as Ludlow, Belchertown, West Springfield, Longmeadow and others, and create an ombudsman for ratepayer complaints. Supporters said several mayors and local officials have submitted written endorsements.
Ending: Committee members asked procedural clarifying questions; proponents said they will submit written testimony from municipalities and that they seek a committee recommendation to advance the bill for further committee work and negotiation on exact seat allocation.
