Board receives water and sewer rate presentation; officials plan outreach before vote

Scott (speaker 4) presented the Select Board with a detailed model linking sewer charges to water usage, explaining the methodology used to derive a proposed standard user fee. The presentation showed average flow and user counts and proposed a per-unit charge in the neighborhood of $1.19 per quarter based on the presented rounding; presenters emphasized the need to build a capital reserve (estimated roughly at $150,000 annually in the model) to qualify for certain grants and to fund planned capital work.

Board members asked for follow-up steps: staff will meet with meter users and property managers to explain the calculation, consider rounding options (discussion included $1.18'$1.22 scenarios), and schedule a public information session before placing a rate change on a future warrant. The board noted that some tenants have charges built into leases and that property managers may need separate meetings to discuss lease implications. No formal rate vote was taken at the meeting; staff and the water/sewer committee were asked to return with a final proposal for board action.