Board discusses proposed water rate increases
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - Shrewsbury residents can expect to see increases in their water and sewer rates beginning May 1.

The Board of Selectmen held a public hearing April 14 to discuss the proposed water hike, which would generate funds for infrastructure improvements.

The proposal would see residential and condominium rates in- crease to from $16.50 to $19 for the first 5,000 gallons.

In addition, 5,001 to 25,000 gallons would increase from $2.85 to $3.20 per 1,000; 25,001 to 50,000 would increase to $6 from $5.20; and over 50,000 gallons would increase from $6.35 to $7.75.

Commercial rates would increase from $27.50 to $32.50 for the first 5,000 gallons; 5,001 to 50,000 would see an increase to $2.50 from $2.10; and over 50,000 would increase from $2.80 to $3.50.

Despite the increases, Town Manager Daniel Morgado told the board that more than 30 percent of residential customers would still pay less than they did prior to the 2003 rate change. The average user would see an increase of about $4 per quarter.

Resident John Lukach asked why there are separate rates for commercial and residential customers.

According to Morgado, Shrewsbury established a two-rate system in 2003 to cut back on residential water usage.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has set a standard of 65 gallons used per person, per day that, Morgado said, is more easily met with the increased costs.

"They were put in place as an answer to the DEP restrictions relative to water use on the residential side," he said. "Residential consumption dropped 12 or 13 percent."

Aside from cutting down on usage, the separate rates also gives business owners an economic incentive for moving to Shrewsbury.

"I don't know why we would want to take away an advantage that developers have here compared to other communities," Chair Maurice DePalo said.

Some board members said they would like to see what impact imposing a single rate would have on the business community prior to voting on the increased rates. Morgado agreed to provide the information.

Sewer rates in town will also increase beginning May 1 following a vote by the Sewer Commission.

Residential sewer rates will increase to $3.50 per thousand, as compared to $2.25 and users will also be charged a new $25 base charge per quarter.

The average bill is expected to more than double from $25.88 to $65.25 per quarter.

Commercial, lawn meter and apartment rate payers will see an increase to $4.50 from $3, and the condo rate will increase from $3 to $3.50.

The increased sewer rates will be used to offset the unexpected increase in costs associated with the Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade.

The eff ects of both of these increases will be seen in users' September bills.