Rate Review Committee recommends water, sewer rates for FY 2027.
Rate Review Committee recommends 3 percent water and 4 percent sewer rate increases for FY 2027. All eight voting members unanimously approved the recommendations, paired with $350,000 in water retained earnings and $50,000 in sewer retained earnings drawdown. Town Manager Robert A. Pontbriand said
Rate Review Committee · Meeting of February 10, 2026
AYER — Rate Review Committee recommends 3 percent water and 4 percent sewer rate increases for FY 2027. All eight voting members unanimously approved the recommendations, paired with $350,000 in water retained earnings and $50,000 in sewer retained earnings drawdown. Town Manager Robert A.
Pontbriand said the water increase represents responsible revenue management with minimal ratepayer impact; Finance Manager Barbara Tierney calculated the sewer increase at an estimated $16 annual increase for the average residential bill. The committee also voted 8-0 to raise four utility fees effective July 1, 2026: backflow retesting from $75 to $100, a new 2 inch Fire Service Connection Fee of $2,000, water connection fees from $4,800 to $5,100, and sewer connection fees from $6,000 to $6,375. A public hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 450 words
Source: the Rate Review Committee meeting of February 10, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Ayer meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Ayer who follows town government? Share Townbrief Ayer: they can sign up free.