The commission faced a nearly $200,000 budget deficit for FY27, primarily due to declining revenue sources like sewer betterments. To address the shortfall, members debated various user rate increase scenarios, ultimately recommending a 5% increase for low-usage customers and a 16% hike for standard users. This rate adjustment aims to cover the deficit and potentially generate a surplus of around $26,000. The commission will present the approved budget to the finance committee on March 12, with a detailed review meeting scheduled for March 10.

In addition to budgetary concerns, the commission explored the establishment of a stormwater utility, which would introduce fees for stormwater management similar to sewer charges. The initiative, led by a member of the stormwater task force, aims to fund necessary maintenance and improvements to comply with the EPA’s MS4 permit requirements. The proposed fee structure includes an annual charge under $100 for single-family homes, with varying rates for businesses based on their impervious surfaces. Commercial property owners, who may face higher fees due to existing stormwater systems, could benefit from a credit system for maintaining their infrastructure.

The stormwater utility proposal will be included on the ballot for the May town meeting, with a public information hearing scheduled for March 5 via Zoom. The idea of forming a joint sewer and stormwater commission was also discussed, though concerns were raised about filling current commission vacancies.

The commission meeting also featured a discussion on appointing new members, highlighting the manageable time commitment compared to other committees. With one commission member’s term ending soon, the need for a fifth member was emphasized to maintain quorum and operational efficiency. An upcoming joint meeting with the select board will facilitate the appointment process.

Moreover, the commission addressed concerns about the MUN billing system, noting that some users found it difficult to navigate. Suggestions to streamline the payment process, such as encouraging users to create accounts, were discussed. The delinquency rate for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) was deemed manageable, with a typical increase during the holiday season.

As the meeting progressed, the commission reflected on past efforts, including the successful implementation of permitting fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The commission’s collaborative nature was emphasized, with members sharing diverse experiences and learning from one another. Potential new member Chip Wilson, who has industry experience and uses a septic system, expressed interest in joining to contribute his expertise and engage more in the community.

Concluding the meeting, the commission scheduled future sessions, including a regular hybrid meeting on March 10 and a Zoom meeting on March 31. There was also a brief discussion about changing the meeting time from 7 PM to 6 PM to accommodate a member’s scheduling conflicts.