Select Board approves $60,000 cap for multifamily water-meter incentive program

The Peterborough Select Board on Jan. 20 approved an incentive program to encourage installation of individual water meters in multifamily properties, setting a $60,000 town funding cap split equally between the water and sewer funds.

Town Administrator Nicole MacStay presented a revised contract and program summary, saying the program’s primary goal is to encourage conservation by allowing residents to pay for their specific consumption rather than being charged under building-wide higher rate tiers. MacStay told the board the program will be retroactive to October 2025 and provides a six-billing-period grace period for installations.

Bill Kennedy moved to approve the program with the $60,000 cap; Select Board member Bonnie Tucker seconded. The motion carried with all members voting in favor.

MacStay noted full participation by all units could cost about $200,000; the board’s vote places a town funding limit well below that figure. Mr. Kennedy asked whether a local code already required individual meters in new multifamily buildings; MacStay confirmed no such code currently exists. The board did not enact a meter mandate at this meeting.

The board’s action requires staff to implement the approved contract and program details. Town administration will follow up on program rollout and installation logistics, including how the cap will be allocated as applicants enroll.