Sewer Rates – Selectmen approve 5 percent increase for the 2026 fiscal year, a $22 annual increase for average residential user

By Mark E. Vogler

Sewer rates will increase by five percent – the same as last year. Following their annual analysis, presentation and review of the town sewer rates on Tuesday morning (May 13), the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to increase the sewer rates by 5 percent for the 2026 fiscal year that begins July 1.

Selectmen considered three options: an increase of 5 percent, 6 percent or 7 percent. The board voted unanimously to go with the lower increase of 5 percent – one that would have the average residential user paying an annual bill of about $452, an average annual hike of $22. Under the 5 percent increase, the average commercial user will be paying an annual bill of $4,190, an increase of $200.

Under the highest of the rate options (7 percent), the average residential user would be paying a $460 annual bill – an increase of $30. Under the middle option (6 percent), the average residential user would be paying $456, an average annual hike of $26.

During Tuesday’s session in the first floor conference room, Consultant Matt Abrahams of The Abrahams Group presented the board with a detailed report, which included these highlights from a review of the current fiscal year (2025):

• Projected user charges revenue up 5.9% over FY 2024’s
• Impact due to 5.0% increase and increased usage due to weather
• Projected expenses up ~$472,000 (or 8.4%) over FY 2024’s
• Increases mostly found in Other Expenses and Debt Service
• No Retained Earnings used to balance the budget; projections show surplus of over $450,000