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Lincoln resident says water bill nearly tripled after 21% rate hikes; board to revisit
Summary
Resident Rosie Marie Riedo told the Lincoln board her water bill "has gone 3 times what it was last year," criticized recent 21% rate hikes and asked the board to explain; the board said the change had been publicly noticed and will put the issue on next month’s agenda.
Rosie Marie Riedo, a resident of 29 Rosen Drive, addressed the Lincoln board during public comment and said her water bill "has gone 3 times what it was last year," attributing the surge to recent rate changes and expressing concern for residents on fixed incomes. "When you raise my bill 21%, then next year another 21%, and then the next year another 21%," Riedo said, asking why increases were not phased in more gradually.
Chair said the board would not conduct a back-and-forth during public comment but offered a brief explanation and told Riedo the matter would be placed on next month’s agenda for fuller discussion. "We will put it on next month's agenda," the Chair said, and invited Riedo to contact staff for a more in-depth conversation.
In response, the Chair told the room that the rate change had been the subject of prior public hearings and notices and that staff had tried to notify residents through the newspaper and the town website. Board members said staff would follow up on individual high bills to check for possible causes such as leaks or heavy outdoor sprinkler use.
The board did not take formal action on the bill during the meeting; the matter was scheduled for the next regular meeting so staff and commissioners can prepare more detailed information and possible relief or mitigation options.
