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DPW proposes sewer bylaw rewrite to recalculate unit charges, adjust apportionment and lift moratorium
Summary
DPW presented a revised sewer bylaw to replace Title 5–linked calculations with a per-unit approach tied to actual use (example: converting the current $10,000 flat fee for a four-bedroom equivalent into a per-bedroom unit), update regulations, and enable lifting a developer moratorium after regulations are adopted.
The Department of Public Works briefed the Select Board on a proposed rewrite of the sewer bylaw intended to address an overcommitment of sewer flow allocations and to change how connection fees are calculated. Under the current bylaw, fees and unit calculations rely on Title 5 and a flat $10,000 per four-bedroom equivalent; the proposed change removes the fixed dollar from the bylaw and directs the Select Board to adopt implementing regulations that set per-unit amounts (DPW used an example that dividing $10,000 by four yields $2,500 per bedroom as an illustration of the new calculation approach).
DPW described a three-step plan: adopt the bylaw to establish the framework, approve implementing regulations that set per-unit calculations and details, and then request lifting the moratorium. Board members asked to see the draft regulations in advance of town meeting so voters could understand the practical implications (for example ADU permitting, commercial re-use and payment agreements). Legal counsel and DPW explained that regulations — not town meeting — will set dollar amounts and that the board chose to keep amount adjustments outside the bylaw to allow administrative updates without a bylaw vote.
The Select Board probed enforcement mechanics, how property owners are informed if a change in use triggers a privilege-fee determination, and options for payment agreements (including liens) for single-family properties versus flexibility in commercial cases. The board asked staff to prepare clear town-meeting presentation slides highlighting the major bylaw changes and the practical effects for property owners.
