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Pittsfield council adopts minimum sewer bill to stabilize utility revenue
Summary
Pittsfield adopted Ordinances 24-13/14/15 on Dec. 3, 2024, including a new minimum sewer billing of 9,000 gallons (about $65 per quarter) to raise roughly $75,000 in revenue; staff said the change is needed because sewer revenues have not kept pace with costs.
Pittsfield on Dec. 3 adopted a set of ordinances that include a minimum sewer billing intended to stabilize the town’s wastewater finances.
At the council meeting, Anise, the town’s manager of water and sewer, described the change as the first step toward making utility revenues match the sewer budget, which she said has remained “completely flat” for a decade despite rising costs. “We’re looking to move it to 9,000 gallons, which equates to 12,200 cubic feet,” Anise said, describing the new quarterly minimum.
The council combined consideration of Ordinances 24-13, 24-14 and 24-15 and voted to adopt them after public questions. Assistant Utilities Manager Travis Jones and Anise told residents the minimum would function as the baseline for billing and would not be added on top of bills for customers who already pay more than the minimum. “If you’re using more than the minimum already you won’t see a change; it’s just the people that are using less who will be impacted,” Anise said.
Staff estimated the minimum-billing change would raise about $75,000 in revenue but said that amount still leaves an approximate shortfall of $48,000 compared with the budgeted cost to operate the sewer system. Anise said the town is not increasing the rate itself at this point but is implementing a minimum billing system to assess revenues and consider rate adjustments later if necessary.
Councilors and staff discussed why sewer charges can exceed water charges, with staff noting wastewater treatment and discharge compliance are often more costly than simply delivering water. Staff provided a customer-count breakdown, saying about 247 accounts currently pay between $0 and $20 per quarter, 204 pay $24–$40, and 21 pay $40–$65; roughly two-thirds of customers were described as already paying above the proposed minimum.
During public comments, a resident asked whether the change would discourage conservation; Anise replied that metered use passing through the meter would still influence bills and that the minimum addresses budgeting fairness and system maintenance needs. The council adopted the ordinances by roll-call vote; Natalia, Greg, Heather and Howard recorded affirmative votes during the meeting.
The council directed staff to proceed with implementation materials, including handouts for customers. The change will take effect as specified in the ordinances; residents seeking more detail were told to consult the town’s outreach materials and contact utilities staff.
