Water board advances rate study to address budget gap
West Newbury water board advances rate study to address $81K deficit. The Board of Water Commissioners directed Tighe & Bond to revise consulting proposals for a comprehensive rate study and master plan, with project start moved to May and a 6-year master plan window including detailed cost
Board of Water Commissioners · Meeting of March 3, 2026
West Newbury water board advances rate study to address $81K deficit. The Board of Water Commissioners directed Tighe & Bond to revise consulting proposals for a comprehensive rate study and master plan, with project start moved to May and a 6-year master plan window including detailed cost breakdowns and 15-20 percent contingency. The FY2027 budget projects revenues of $1,098,795 against expenses of $1,180,774.
Board members Robert Janes, John Haley, and Mark Hemingway (via Zoom) agreed to review rate increase options and direct Superintendent Mark Marlowe to notify ratepayers of upcoming rate hearings in the next billing cycle. The board voted unanimously to pursue a cell tower installation on Brake Hill Tank subject to revenue sharing with the town.
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Source: the Board of Water Commissioners meeting of March 3, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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