MAYNARD — Town Administrator Greg Johnson reports that the town’s Board of Selectmen approved new water and sewer rates that will be implemented for customers as of July 1.
The new rates reflect an increase based on the findings of a study done to ensure adequate funding is available for the town’s water and sewer needs. Revenue raised from these bills is used for the maintenance and repairs to Maynard’s water and sewer infrastructure, and saved for future capital projects. This money cannot be used for any other town projects.
In 2017, the Town hired Pioneer Consulting, an independent accounting consultant in the water and sewer utility industry, to conduct a study of current and future revenues, as well as operation and maintenance expenses, to determine the funding needed for the long-term support of these utilities. The rate structure was also assessed to see if it complied with the industry’s best practices.
“While the Board of Selectmen and town staff recognize the difficult time in which this announcement is being made, we wanted to let residents know of the increases as soon as possible to allow them to prepare for the increases,” Johnson said. “The board made this decision based on recommendations developed after years of discussions and studies, and the additional funding will allow us to make necessary repairs to keep the systems working the way they should and require any emergency repairs.”
Beginning July 1, the new tiered rates for quarterly water bills will be:
- For in town customers:
- A base charge of $22.
- $2.78 per 100 cubic feet for those who use between one to 500 cubic feet.
- $7.11 per 100 cubic feet for those who use between 501 and 1,000 cubic feet.
- $7.72 per 100 cubic feet for those who use between 1,0001 and 2,500 cubic feet.
- $8.88 per 100 cubic feet for those who use more than 2,500 cubic feet.
- For out of town customers:
- A base charge of $33.
- $3.89 per 100 cubic feet for those who use between one to 500 cubic feet.
- $9.96 per 100 cubic feet for those who use between 501 and 1,000 cubic feet.
- $10.81 per 100 cubic feet for those who use between 1,0001 and 2,500 cubic feet.
- $12.43 per 100 cubic feet for those who use more than 2,500 cubic feet.
There are no changes to the rates for private fire protection and backflow prevention.
Starting July 1, the new rates for the quarterly sewer bills will be:
- For in town residents:
- A base charge of $50.
- $5.78 per 100 cubic feet for those who use one to 500 cubic feet.
- $11.13 per 100 cubic feet for those who use 501 to 2,500 cubic feet.
- $19.11 per 100 cubic feet for those who use over 2,500 cubic feet.
- For out of town customers:
- A base charge of $73.75.
- $8.09 per 100 cubic feet for those who use one to 500 cubic feet.
- $15.58 per 100 cubic feet for those who use 501 to 2,500 cubic feet.
- $19.11 per 100 cubic feet for those who use over 2,500 cubic feet
The average water and sewer usage rate for Maynard residents is between 1,500 and 2,500 cubic feet.
The estimated financial impact of these increases for customers is:
- An additional $12.30 per quarter or $49.20 per year for those who use 1,500 cubic feet.
- An additional $16.80 per quarter or $67.20 per year for those who use 2,000 cubic feet.
- An additional $21.30 per quarter or $85.20 per year for those who use 2,500 cubic feet.
Rates were last adjusted in December 2017. Further increases are expected to occur over the next few years to ensure the utilities have adequate funding. Additional information will be announced when it is available.
Residents who are looking to save on their utility usage can do so by installing efficient fixtures and fixing leaks. A constantly running toilet, for example, may waste about 8 gallons per hour, or 200 gallons per day.
Videos on water usage and why rates increased are also available for more general information on the rates.
Disconnection of service has been temporarily suspended. If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic — whether you are a residential customer or a Maynard business — please contact Department of Public Works at [email protected] to discuss how they can help.
For more information, please visit the Town of Maynard Water and Sewer website or email the Maynard Public Works at [email protected]
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