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Select Board adopts FY27 water and sewer rates and moves to quarterly billing; irrigation meter policy discussed
Summary
After a DPW presentation on irrigation trends, automated meter reads and a shift to quarterly billing, the board approved FY27 water and sewer rates (including an updated irrigation rate). Staff said the standard residential bill change equates to about $48/year for a 6,000 cubic‑foot standard use case.
The Bedford Select Board voted unanimously June 15 to adopt FY27 water and sewer rates after a detailed presentation from Public Works staff on system trends, rate‑setting methodology and irrigation policy.
Public Works Director David Manuggium explained a long‑term shift toward irrigation meters, growing automated reads (about 55% of the town currently served by automated read stations) and a planned move from semiannual to quarterly billing. "To date we have been what I’ll call a wholesale purchaser; by becoming a fully served MWA community we change the model," Manuggium said, explaining expected operational and testing benefits.
The updated materials show an irrigation rate adjusted to $16.90 and a base fee structure with tiered consumption rates; staff told the board the example standard bill comparison (6,000 cubic feet/year) would increase by roughly $48 if consumption was identical year‑to‑year. Board members questioned whether restrictions on irrigation or voluntary conservation campaigns should be considered; staff said Bedford historically has not adopted mandatory or voluntary irrigation bans and that any change would be a local policy decision.
Why this matters: Water and sewer rates affect household and business budgets, infrastructure cost recovery and long‑term affordability. The move to quarterly billing alters cash‑flow timing for residents and the utility.
What’s next: DPW will implement quarterly billing, monitor automated reads and present future updates on affordability and system capacity as the town becomes fully served by the regional water authority.
