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Saugus selectmen keep sewer rates flat for fiscal 2027 after rate-study presentation
Summary
After a presentation on FY2027 rate scenarios and town finances, the Saugus Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 on June 2 to set a 0% sewer rate increase for Fiscal Year 2027, citing healthy retained earnings and a recent revenue uptick from a water meter replacement program.
The Saugus Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 on June 2 to set a 0% increase in sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2027 following a rate-study presentation by Matt Abrahams of the Abrahams Group LLC at Town Hall.
Mr. Abrahams reviewed the town's sewer rate study, outlining the study objectives, the five-year capital plan and the rate-setting drivers. He presented revenue projections under three rate scenarios: a 6% increase, a 5% increase and a 4% increase, and characterized the town's retained earnings for FY26 as healthy.
Board members said FY26 revenue came in higher than projected and noted an uptick in revenue tied to the town's water meter replacement program. Selectmen raised concerns about the financial impact of rate increases on residents and weighed the presented scenarios against the town's current fund balance.
Selectman Anthony Cogliano moved to approve none of the presented rate-increase options, effectively setting the FY2027 sewer rate increase to 0%. The motion was seconded by Chairman Debra Panetta and passed unanimously, 5-0. The minutes state that the change would result in $0 difference for an average user twice a year.
After the vote the Board thanked Town Manager Scott Crabtree, Finance Director & Treasurer/Collector Wendy Hatch, and Mr. Abrahams for preparing and presenting the study. The Board then moved to adjourn and the meeting ended at 5:27 PM.
There was no further action recorded at the meeting; no schedule for revisiting rates was specified in the minutes.
