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Public water users in Spencer are encouraged to attend a Water Commissioners’ hearing on Wednesday, September 12 at 6 p.m. to discuss proposed rate changes. The hearing will be held at Town Hall, McCourt Hall on 157 Main Street and can also be accessed remotely.
The changes would be effective October 1 and include proposed increases ranging from 5% to 10%.
The minimum bill of $150 per 1,500 cubic feet/per meter applies to approximately 1,1016 or 54% of the base. According to Utilities & Facilities Superintendent Peter Boria, that amount remains the same.
Affecting 573 users or 31% of the base would be a proposed rate of $7.48/100 for the next 1,500 cubic feet used, up 5% from the current $7.12.
The other rate increases of 10% are: $8.26/100 for the next 3,000 cubic feet used, up from $7.51, affecting 193 (11%) users; $8.82/100, up from $8.02 for the next 2,000 cubic feet used or 27 users (1.5%); and $9.66/100 instead of $8.78 for above 8,000 cubic feet used, affecting 3% of the base or 52 users.
The cost for all renew, repair, or new installations is $150.
The recommended rate hikes for tie-in fees are as follows: $2,500 (currently $1,500) for single unit up to two-inch pipe; $1,500 (currently $750) per additional unit for a multi-unit dwelling; $3,000 (currently $1,600) for three-inch pipe: $4,000 (currently $1,700) for four-inch pipe; $6,000 (currently $1,950) for six-inch pipe; $8,000 (currently $2,550) for eight-inch pipe; $10,000 (currently $3,150) for ten-inch pipe; and $12,000 ($3,750) for 12-inch pipe.
In addition to being subject to all tie-in fees, there is an additional fee for subdivision or extensions of $2.25 per foot.
Boria said the increases for tie in fees are so substantial because it has been two decades since they were last changed.
“The current rates are adequate to cover the operating costs but not enough to do system improvements that are necessary,” he said.
The Commissioners are proposing late payment and service fees of $30 (currently $15) for turning the water off or on for any reason other than an emergency. The service fee for turning water off or on for a delinquent account or damages caused by the customer would be $60.
Boria said the purpose of the meeting is to provide residents with accurate information about the needs of the department and give them the opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions.
By having the remote option, the commissioners are hoping to increase participation and get the word out about the proposed rates to more people.
For commercial users, the department is adding fire protection service charges. The schedule of these new quarterly fees would be $50 for two-inch pipes; $75 for three-inch; $100 for four-inch; $200 for six-inch; and $250 for eight-inch.
The rates support the water enterprise fund which is separate from the town’s general fund and designed to be self-sufficient.
For more information, contact 508-885-7525.
