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Malden council authorizes preparation of water, sewer rate ordinances after BPW workshop
Summary
Following a BPW workshop on infrastructure needs, the Malden council authorized the city attorney to draft ordinances for a $1.25 per 1,000-gallon increase to both water and sewer rates and to transfer Economic Development funds to support repairs; the council noted an average household impact of about $11 per month.
The Malden City Council on Feb. 23 authorized City Attorney Jonce Chidister to draft ordinances for proposed water and sewer rate increases after a BPW workshop identified sewer-line replacements and pump failures as priorities.
City Administrator and Utility Director Jeff Mitchell told the council the BPW recommends increasing both the water and sewer rates by $1.25 per 1,000 gallons and transferring funds from the Economic Development account to support infrastructure repairs. Mitchell said the average household increase from the recommended adjustments would be about $11 per month, depending on usage.
Council Member Jones moved to authorize the city attorney to prepare the necessary ordinances; Council Member Beckett seconded and the motion carried 6-0. The council’s action authorizes staff to draft formal ordinance language for future readings and does not by itself change customer bills until ordinances are introduced and adopted.
Council members asked for details about timing and budget impacts; Mitchell said official financial statements will be available next month and that the BPW and city staff will continue to refine the project scope. The council did not vote on final rate ordinances at the Feb. 23 meeting.
