The meeting, attended by Select Board members and committees, began with a discussion on the necessity of adjusting sewer rates by October 1st to coincide with the next billing cycle. The urgency of this adjustment stemmed from a significant revenue shortfall in the sewer department. Historically, the town has relied on a $224,000 annual subsidy and other funding sources, but concerns were raised about the sustainability of this approach as some funds, particularly retained earnings, are depleting.

The conversation quickly turned to the potential expansion of the sewer system, with an emphasis on attracting new customers to bolster revenue. Past efforts to extend sewer connections have faced challenges, particularly in convincing residents to connect due to cost concerns. A past town meeting in 2016, referred to as the “Southwick sewer massacre,” was mentioned, where funding for sewer projects failed to secure enough votes.

The financial implications of connecting to the sewer system were scrutinized, with costs varying depending on location and circumstances, potentially ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. This variability raised concerns among residents about the affordability of connecting, especially if there was no immediate need to abandon their existing septic systems. The board acknowledged the environmental and health benefits of expanding the sewer system, particularly in reducing nitrogen pollution in local lakes, but recognized the residents’ hesitance due to the associated costs.

A point of contention arose regarding the sewer subsidy, as the insufficient number of users for the sewer capacity already paid for placed a financial burden on those not connected to the system. One board member stressed the importance of balancing costs, stating, “I just want to make sure that it’s not a nominal fee for the person getting the benefit of say $1,000 and then when my septic system fails and I’m nowhere near this it’s going to cost me 15 grand to replace my septic system.” The ongoing financial implications for households connected to the sewer system were emphasized, particularly if rates were to increase due to the low number of users, potentially making it unaffordable for some residents.

The discussion also included efforts to explore grants for connection costs and incentives for water conservation. A member noted that funding opportunities exist to subsidize water-efficient fixtures in households. Specific areas, like Hudson Drive and Bungalow Street, were highlighted where projects are underway or being planned to improve sewer accessibility.

The complexities of obtaining community support for sewer projects were further illustrated by the Southwick Village project, which is under a consent order requiring connection to a municipal sewer system or the construction of an onsite treatment facility. The consent order has been in place for approximately ten years, with about seven years remaining for compliance. Property owners are looking to the town to facilitate the extension of the sewer line to their property, but the required connection is both far and costly. Several routing options for the sewer line were discussed, including a potential route from the DPW facility through a field to College Highway.

The board recognized the financial strain the town faces in subsidizing the sewer system, with suggestions to explore refinancing options for existing debt. There was debate about the need for a long-term solution versus more immediate fixes, with some members advocating for an annual review of subsidy levels to allow for adjustments based on the town’s financial health.

Ultimately, the board proposed adopting a scenario that included a subsidy cap at $303,000, with provisions for annual review. This approach aimed to balance user fees with the town’s overall financial health. The motion was seconded and discussed further, emphasizing the importance of structured financial planning and effective communication with residents to foster understanding and support for the proposed changes.