Watertown authority schedules Aug. 26 public hearing on proposed water and sewer rate changes

The Watertown Water and Sewer Authority voted unanimously July 15 to schedule a public hearing on Aug. 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to quarterly water and sewer rates for Connecticut public water system CT1530021 and a FY2027–FY2031 long-range financial plan. Committee member (speaker 4) moved the hearing be scheduled and directed staff to post notice under Connecticut General Statutes 7-239 and 7-255; the motion carried without opposition.

Authority leaders said the hearing is intended to present the consultant’s rate study to customers, explain how rates were calculated and allow public comment before any final vote. Chair (speaker 3) and other members discussed logistics, including consultant availability and potential venues (Swift School or Watertown High), and asked staff to coordinate availability with the school system and the town manager for the final location and legal notice.

"We have bills to pay, and they point out what they are," Committee member (speaker 2) said during the discussion, citing the consultant's cost figures as the basis for action. The board directed staff to prepare public‑hearing notices and to include both the variable per‑thousand‑gallon rates and the quarterly fixed charges in the packet so customers can review the full proposed rate package ahead of the hearing.

Next steps: staff will publish the required notice under CT Gen. Stat. §§7‑239 and 7‑255, confirm a hearing location, and provide the full rate packet to the board and the public prior to Aug. 26.