Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board approves 6% water and 4% sewer rate increases to safeguard reserves and fund PFAS work
Summary
The Mansfield Select Board voted to raise water rates 6% and sewer rates 4% effective May 21, 2025, following a financial forecast presented by consultant Raftelis showing new debt service and capital needs tied in part to the town's PFAS treatment program.
The Mansfield Select Board approved a 6% increase in water rates and a 4% increase in sewer rates Wednesday, citing a five‑year financial forecast that shows new debt-service obligations tied to capital projects, including the town’s PFAS treatment program.
Dave Fox, a vice president with Raftelis (the town's water‑sewer financial consultant), presented a multi‑year forecast that incorporated historical operating costs, planned capital improvements, and projected debt-service payments. Fox and town staff said the recommended increases are intended to fully fund operating expenses, new debt service and reserve targets while avoiding larger, sudden rate spikes in future years.
The presentation showed that without any rate changes the water and sewer enterprise funds would run deficits and draw down reserve balances. With the recommended increases, reserves dip modestly but remain on track to recover within the five‑year forecast because the town plans to continue annual rate updates. Fox noted Mansfield is ahead of many peer communities in addressing PFAS and other infrastructure needs and said the planned increases keep the town on a sustainable path for reinvestment.
After discussion the board voted to adopt a 6% water increase and a 4% sewer increase, both effective May 21, 2025. Board members also noted that the town will revisit rates annually and adjust if consumption trends or costs change.
