Select Board: no additional sewer abatement for Winter Street household

Two homeowners who reported a winter pipe burst and extensive flooding asked the Select Board to extend additional sewer abatement beyond a rebate already issued by the town administrator. The homeowners said they were abroad when the pipe failed and that water flowed out the walk‑out basement rather than into the sewer system.

Town staff explained the Select Board’s abatement policy: the standard approach is to reference a three‑year historical usage to set the lowest billing tier for sewer charges. Administration advised staff did not have authority to provide additional abatements beyond what had already been issued under policy. After questions, the board did not approve extra relief beyond the earlier administrative abatement. The board encouraged applicants to check insurance coverage for property damage and asked staff to consider whether policy adjustments are appropriate for rare hardship cases.