Etna Green board adopts sewer and water rate ordinances after public hearing

The Etna Green town board closed a public hearing on proposed utility rate changes and voted to adopt sewer ordinance 2025-7 and water ordinance 2025-8, the chair announced the motion passed. The hearing drew questions from residents and board members about the timing of past increases and the causes of the town's utility shortfalls.

Town officials cited a Baker Tilly review as the basis for the proposals: Baker Tilly recommended a one-time 15% sewer increase to take effect July 1 and a 55% water increase to be phased in across multiple installments through January. Board members reported the proposed sewer treatment charge would move from $9.37 to $10.78 per 1,000 gallons in the July adjustment; the water increase was described as a multi-step phase-in to avoid a single large spike in bills.

Commenters and some board members linked rising costs to recent contracting decisions and staffing changes. A public commenter asked the council to consider that outsourcing some utility work and losing certified in-house staff contributed to higher operating costs, and urged the town to evaluate contracts and staffing before future decisions. The board discussed the need to replace aging equipment and remove short-term band-aid repairs that have increased expenses.

The board followed procedural steps required for adoption: the public hearing was opened, members and residents offered comment, the hearing was closed, and a motion was made to proceed with the two ordinances. When the chair called the vote the motion was declared passed by voice vote. The ordinances were identified in the meeting as ordinance 2025-7 (sewer) and ordinance 2025-8 (water).

Next steps: the board will implement the July sewer adjustment and begin phasing the water increase per the ordinance schedule; staff said they will confirm the exact dates and billing impacts with Baker Tilly and provide updated tables for the public. The board also noted they will monitor implementation and revisit timing or scope if additional information warrants changes.