20 percent hike in sewer rates planned

20 percent hike in sewer rates planned

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON— Sewer customers will see their first rate increase in four years, as the Sewer Commission voted for a 20 percent hike during their meeting last Monday.

The increase, according to Sewer Commission Chair Mark Moschetti, will amount to an extra $60 a year for most customers, or an additional $15 on each quarterly bill.

The decision comes after a rate study conducted by water and sewer consultants Woodcock & Associates recommended the commission raise rates by 35 percent, and pointed out that a minimum 15 percent increase would be needed for the department to break even.

“We don’t need 35 percent at this time,” explained Mr. Moschetti. “The 20 percent will be fine.”


The department’s budget has remained essentially unchanged since 2010, when the last rate jump took place, despite the fact that they have consistently upgraded to more efficient equipment. However, with development around town stalled, the large stream of revenue from entrance fees has dried up.

In light of several impending projects, including the replacement of the Pleasant Street pump station, and the over $100,000 owed in uncollectable, outstanding sewer bills, the rate raise was deemed necessary.

“The sewer department runs on receipts,” said Mr. Moschetti. “Our daily operations are covered by revenue, not taxation. We run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can’t just shut it off.”

Several public meetings were held in the months leading up to the rate hearing, with very few, if any, members of the public attending.

“I think we’ve given the public ample time to voice their concerns,” Mr. Moschetti said.

Mr. Moschetti explained there is very little they can do to collect overdue bills and recover some of that lost revenue. 

“We have done almost everything possible, short of cutting off service, to collect this money,” he said.

Templeton’s sewer department serves about 1,400 customers and, according to Mr. Moschetti, the town has one of the lowest sewer rates in the state.