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Springfield Water and Sewer Commission seeks public input on proposed budget and rate increases

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The average homeowner's annual water-sewer bill would rise by $49.20.

Update, 4 p.m.: The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission has postponed this public hearing out of respect for the memorial services for slain Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose, according to its executive director.

The new date is Tuesday, June 19, at 6 p.m., in Room 220, at Springfield City Hall.


SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission has scheduled a public hearing Thursday to present a proposed $56.2 million budget for the coming fiscal year, and proposed increases in the water and sewer rates.

The hearing is at 6 p.m., at the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

As proposed, the average homeowner’s annual water-sewer bill would increase by $49.20 from $705.60 this fiscal year to $754.80 next year, effective July 1, said Katherine J. Pedersen, executive director. The combined rate increase is approximately 7 percent, she said.

Katherine Pedersen 22212.jpgKatherine J. Pedersen

“The primary drivers for this year’s increase includes unfunded mandates, much needed infrastructure renewal, and as it relates to day to day operations, we have had increases in fuel costs, treatment chemicals, materials and business costs,” Pedersen said.

Under the proposal, the residential water rate would increase from $2.29 per 100 cubic feet this year to $2.40 per 100 cubic feet for the new year.

In addition, the sewer rate would increase from $3.34 per 100 cubic feet this year to $3.64 next year.

The three-member commission is expected to vote on the new budget and rates on June 28.

As proposed, the budget would increase from $54.2 million this year to $56.2 million next year, an increase of 3.8 percent. The commission also is proposing a $10.5 million capital budget, which would be in addition to ongoing multi-year capital projects.

In the past, few residents have attended public hearings, “and we are hoping we have better attendance and more interest,” Pedersen said.

“We are encouraging residents to attend so they can learn more about what the Water and Sewer Commission is spending these rates on, particularly upgrading our water and sewer systems.”

Pedersen and other supervisors will present reports on the proposed operating budget, the capital budget, the three-year capital plan, and the schedule of fees and charges, and consider any public comments, she said.

The new rates would affect Springfield and Ludlow customers. Several other communities in the region receive water under contracts with the commission and are billed for the cost of discharging sewage at the regional wastewater treatment facility at Bondi’s Island.

The capital projects include federally mandated improvements to address combined sewer overflows to the Mill, Chicopee and Connecticut Rivers.


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