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North Brookfield officials weigh bundling sewer with water and moving to quarterly bills
Summary
Selectmen discussed proposals to put sewer charges on the same bill as water and move from semiannual to quarterly or monthly billing to improve collections ahead of upcoming wastewater loan repayments.
The North Brookfield Board of Selectmen on Jan. 28 discussed plans to put sewer charges on the same bill as water and move from semiannual to quarterly billing as a way to improve collections and prepare for upcoming wastewater loan payments.
Board members and department staff said tying sewer to water bills would make it harder for customers to pay only a portion of what they owe and could improve collection rates. "It does, I think that'll help enforce people having to actually pay their sewer bill," said Jamie, a town water/sewer official, during the meeting.
Town staff reported collection problems under the current semiannual schedule. The water department estimated it serves 938 customers and that about 160 accounts did not pay in the last billing cycle. The wastewater superintendent warned the town will start repaying a wastewater upgrade loan in fiscal year 2026, increasing pressure on department revenue.
Officials said switching to combined quarterly bills would reduce individual bill size for customers and help household budgeting, but it also could increase short-term operational workload. "There will be an incurred cost in working curb stops and making those repairs," Jamie said, noting many curb stops have not been turned in decades and may break when crews attempt shutoffs.
Selectmen asked water and sewer boards to convene a joint meeting with a Selectmen representative to map logistics and public outreach. The boards agreed to set up a special meeting within about a week to begin planning; Ashley was identified as the contact to coordinate scheduling.
The board also discussed the possibility of monthly billing and online payment/autopay options. Officials said monthly autopay is complicated because bills fluctuate by usage. Staff agreed to prepare comparative analyses showing how bills would look on a 4-cycle versus a 12-cycle system and to solicit public feedback.
Next steps: sewer and water representatives will arrange a joint meeting with Selectmen representatives to develop implementation logistics and cost estimates, and to consider whether quarterly or monthly billing is preferable for residents and department operations.
