Norwood schedules Jan. 14 hearing as officials weigh phased water-rate increases

The Town of Norwood voted Dec. 17 to schedule a public hearing on proposed water and sewer rates for Jan. 14, 2025, while the town manager urged the board to consider splitting increases so the largest adjustments do not land in July, the community's highest-use month.

Mister Mizuko, the town manager, told the board the town historically raised rates in July, which places the greatest burden on residents during peak consumption. He said staff have been considering phased increases so that part of a necessary rise takes effect in winter months when usage is lower. “We historically are raising our rates all at once in January sorry, all at once in July, which is the busiest use month for residents,” Mizuko said, arguing that spreading increases will be less disruptive.

Mizuko estimated the total rate change needed could fall in the mid-single-digit range to the high-single digits depending on capital projects and usage, and that staff would supply detailed scenarios showing what a 3% versus an 8% adjustment would mean for residents. Board members repeatedly requested concrete numbers before the hearing; one member said a 2% increase would be easy to accept but a 10% rise would give them pause.

The board also discussed legal notice requirements for hearings and agreed staff would publish the hearing notice in accordance with local rules and provide the board with the supporting memo and specific percentage options prior to the Jan. 14 meeting.

Next steps: the town will publish the hearing notice and circulate a detailed rate memo and scenario analysis to the board in advance of the scheduled Jan. 14 hearing, where the board will accept public comment and consider any formal rate changes.