The Fall River Department of Community Utilities has submitted its budget to the city council for the next fiscal year and is seeking a significant increase in water and sewer rates for city residents and business owners.
Under the proposal, water rates will increase from $3.77 to $4.36 per one hundred cubic feet of water. Sewer rates will increase from $6.06 to $8.11 per one hundred cubic feet. Heavy industrial users will see their sewer rates rise from $2.89 to $3.87 per one hundred cubic feet. The city’s stormwater fee will remain unchanged at $200 per year. Paul Ferland, Director of the Department of Community Utilities, says the average ratepayer will see rates increase by 34%.
Mr. Ferland says the increase is directly tied to rising inflation since the end of the pandemic.
Mr. Ferland says the city has been supported by state and federal government financial assistance to offset the cost of mandated system improvement projects.
Mr. Ferland says the city still faces challenges in adequately finding skilled employees to fill vacancies within the department.
Any rate increase will likely not sit well with many residents, but property owners can play a role in reducing costs. Mr. Ferland says the city also has an abatement process for properties that carry excessive bills due to water leaks.
The city council will begin its deliberations on the department budget next week.
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