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Colebrook Selectboard proposes $15 raise to water and sewer base rates to cover shortfall and prepare for well bond costs
Summary
The Selectboard proposed raising base water and sewer rates $15 to $90 per billing period to cover a reported $5,000 operating shortfall and to create a cushion for upcoming costs associated with required new well siting and an anticipated bond; final costs depend on NHDES approval of well sites.
Selectboard member Greg Placy said the town’s water fund currently has a $5,000 shortfall and the board is proposing a $15 increase to the base water and sewer rate so both would be $90.00. Placy said the increase is intended to cover the current shortfall and to help address future bond payments tied to required new well work.
Town Manager Tim Stevens explained the uncertainty in final well-related costs: the town received a half loan/half grant from the Groundwater Trust Fund, a $550,000 settlement for the North Wells has been expended, and the town must secure NHDES approval for new well sites. Stevens said, “That is going to be dependent on how much work gets done, and how much we need,” and that the board will not know precise bond costs until a site is selected and approved. Residents asked whether usage rates would change; the board said only the base rate will change.
