Board of Water Commissioners approves town report
West Newbury water board voted unanimously to approve its town report.
Board of Water Commissioners · Meeting of September 24, 2026
West Newbury water board voted unanimously to approve its town report. The Board of Water Commissioners on September 24 authorized Administrative Assistant Jodi Bertrand to submit the Water Department's annual report to the Town Clerk, with John Haley moving and Mark Hemingway seconding the unanimous approval. The board also discussed a water bill abatement dispute at 6 Pleasant Street scheduled for October 22 court proceedings, noting it is the first case under the department's formal abatement policy adopted in November 2025 and emphasizing the need for town legal counsel to ensure proper filing despite interim Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald's reluctance to engage counsel on cost grounds; Select Board Liaison Barry Fogel agreed to follow up on the issue.
The board also addressed an 18 percent Newburyport water rate increase taking effect in July 2026, which prompted a contingency fund article, and expressed concern about a lack of Select Board updates on water supply well development since November 2025.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 345 words
Source: the Board of Water Commissioners meeting of September 24, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every West Newbury meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in West Newbury who follows town government? Share Townbrief West Newbury: they can sign up free.