The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed 16% increase in user rates for fiscal year 2027. The commission, aware of the financial strain on its operations, considered this increase necessary to sustain service levels. The discussion included reflections on past rate adjustments, with one member noting the absence of increases in the previous year despite neighboring municipalities like Fitchburg and Leominster implementing higher charges. The proposed rate hike aims to prevent depletion of reserves and address declining revenue from betterment income as residents complete their payments.

One member highlighted the need to differentiate between high-usage and low-usage customers, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and single-person households. The commission explored options for maintaining or adjusting the minimum rate, currently set at $133 for up to 800 gallons of usage, to ensure fairness among users. The discussion stressed the importance of balancing operational costs with the financial burden on residents, especially in the face of potential drought conditions affecting water usage and revenue.

Another topic of considerable debate was the commission’s consideration of a $5,000 subscription to a cloud-based rate forecasting software offered by Waterworth. This software, introduced through a cold call, promises to enhance strategic planning by allowing multi-year forecasts and scenario analyses for capital projects. The commission weighed the software’s potential benefits against its cost, with members questioning whether the investment would translate into savings in staff time or operational efficiencies.

Concerns were raised about the accuracy of the software compared to current methods and the implications of overestimating costs. The commission considered feedback from other municipalities using the software, such as the Lunenburg Water District and the Town of Concord, to inform their decision. The discussion also included logistical considerations, as the budget for the current fiscal year was already proposed.

Financial management remained a critical theme, with the commission addressing the need for funds to settle debts with Fitchburg and Leominster. The dwindling revenue from betterments was noted, emphasizing the potential for service decline and increased system failures if additional revenue sources are not secured. Preventive maintenance was highlighted as a priority to mitigate these risks, despite challenges in budgeting for necessary expenditures.

The commission also acknowledged a decrease in the delinquency rate for sewer bill payments, attributed to homeowners settling outstanding bills during property sales. This improvement was welcomed, as efforts to encourage partial payments seemed effective. Additionally, the commission prepared to vote on the FY25 annual report and discussed the potential for future developments to connect more properties to the sewer system.

Operational topics were not overlooked, as the commission deliberated on adjusting meeting times to improve attendance. A proposal to change regular meeting times from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. received unanimous approval. Discussions of future agenda items included the need for more volunteers and the timeline for upcoming elections, with the next meeting scheduled for February 24th, offering a Zoom option, followed by in-person meetings in March and April.