Winchester Selectboard adopts three-year water-rate increase plan, schedules public hearing

The Winchester Selectboard voted 5-0 on April 1 to adopt a three-year plan to raise water rates by 20% in year one, 15% in year two and 10% in year three, and to reevaluate the increases after three years. Selectman Theresa Sepe moved the plan; Selectman Herbert Stephens seconded.

The board made the decision after reviewing delinquent-account totals and discussing options to cover operating costs and upcoming capital payments. Finance Supervisor Amy Bond told the board that the water enterprise fund covers operating expenses and that excess funds go to capital reserves. She said the fifth payment on the town's water tank is due June 20, 2026, "in the amount of $85,000 but probably only $80,000," and that the town currently has about $125,000 in the account and will need to start saving for the next payment.

Selectman Trevor Croteau said he wanted a less-extreme option than the previously proposed 30% increase and offered a middle path; he noted that a 30% increase would have meant an average household increase of about $34 per quarter. Mr. Croteau and Water/Sewer Superintendent Rick Meleski both said the town needed to begin increasing rates after several years without adjustment.

The board voted to set a public hearing on the rate changes 30 days from the meeting to provide notice and allow public comment. T.A. Miner said the hearing would be scheduled and publicly warned.

The action is procedural and not a final billing change; the hearing will allow residents to testify and for the board to take any additional adjustments based on public input.