Board of Water Commissioners approves 5 percent base meter charge increase.
Board of Water Commissioners · Meeting of June 17, 2026
WEST NEWBURY — The Board of Water Commissioners unanimously approved a tiered water rate increase effective October 1, 2026. Commissioners Bob Janes, Chair, Jack Haley, and Mark Hemingway voted to raise the base meter charge 5 percent to $73.50 per bill and consumption rates 2 percent each, generating an estimated $28,414 in new revenue. The remaining $10,561 of a projected $38,975 FY2027 operating deficit will be covered through a Water Department retained earnings drawdown.
Haley noted that West Newbury's rates remain above those of Merrimac, Groveland, and Newburyport by margins ranging from 25.9 to 63 percent.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 275 words
Source: the Board of Water Commissioners meeting of June 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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