Ayer Rate Review Committee backs two new utility positions, eyes FY22 rate hike

AYER -- January 26, 2021, Ayer's Rate Review Committee signaled support for two new utility positions while warning that water and sewer rate increases are likely for FY22. DPW Superintendent Mark Wetzel presented a $3.8 million combined water and wastewater capital request and outlined a proposal for a full-time water and sewer superintendent, salary range $85,000 to $108,000, and a part-time billing clerk at up to $27.19 per hour, both funded primarily through enterprise funds. Finance Director Lisa Gabri said her "gut feeling is both water and sewer will need rate increases," driven more by capital costs than the new positions, including a roughly $12 million PFAS remediation program with nearly $5 million covered by grants. Committee members stopped short of a formal endorsement, asking instead for side-by-side rate scenarios with and without the positions, to be presented at the February 23 meeting ahead of the April 26 Town Meeting deadline. The Devens wastewater agreement, expiring December 2021, is headed to the Select Board for appointment of a negotiating team.