Rate Review Committee recommends water, sewer rates for FY 2027.
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.
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Source: the Rate Review Committee meeting of February 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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