The meeting’s primary focus was the proposed water rate adjustments, developed in collaboration with Waterworth, a utility rate consulting firm. The changes were designed to promote fairness through a tiered rate structure that would impose higher rates on higher consumption to encourage conservation. The financial forecast highlighted a projected budget deficit for 2025, with cash balances expected to decline sharply. Ari Cha of Waterworth presented these projections, emphasizing the need for rate adjustments to maintain a positive cash position and prevent financial shortfalls.

The board discussed the implications of the proposed increases, with a 30% rise for winter rates and a steeper 45% increase for summer rates across various meter sizes. This disparity particularly affected higher usage consumers, as the majority of water users in Chatham fall into the lower consumption tiers. Concerns were raised about the fairness of the current irrigation rates, which were deemed insufficient compared to the actual costs of service. The issue of unregistered irrigation systems was a point of discussion, with an estimated 700 out of 1,500 registered systems lacking a second meter, leading to revenue losses and unfair charges to compliant users.

There was a consensus among board members about the need to address these discrepancies, with discussions about potential fines for non-compliance and the challenges posed by the billing software. Despite the urgency, some members expressed frustration over the short notice given for the proposed rate increases, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and timely planning. Ultimately, the board voted to approve the rates, despite ongoing concerns about their fairness and the management of irrigation usage.

Beach safety at Lighthouse Beach emerged as another issue, given the historical challenges and recent staffing shortages. The board discussed the introduction of beach monitors as a temporary solution to the absence of lifeguards. These monitors, while trained in first aid and CPR, are not authorized to enter the water, raising concerns about the adequacy of the safety measures. The conversation highlighted the urgency of the situation just before the Fourth of July holiday, with comparisons made to other communities offering higher pay and housing assistance to attract lifeguards.

The board acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive long-term strategy for beach safety, with some members emphasizing the importance of increasing lifeguard wages to attract qualified candidates. There was a call for collaboration among various town departments to establish a more effective safety plan that balances resource limitations with public safety demands.

In other business, the board discussed proposed changes to building permit fees, which are expected to generate additional revenue for the town. The changes include a 10-cent increase per square foot for building permits and adjustments to plumbing, gas, and electric permit fees.

The meeting also addressed committee appointments, with reappointments made to the Energy and Climate Action Committee, Historic Business District Commission, and other committees. A proposal to develop design guidelines for the former Ellis property on Old Harbor Road was rejected, with some members expressing a preference for prioritizing the Stepping Stones housing project instead.

Finally, the town manager provided a monthly report, highlighting improvements to local amenities, successful grant applications, and employee recognitions. The meeting concluded with an update on the Community Services Behavioral Health Clinical Program, which has seen success under the leadership of Diane Nash, the town’s first adult behavioral health clinician. Her role has been instrumental in bridging the gap between public safety and mental health services, prompting discussions about expanding the program with additional staff.