Plymouth Approves Water and Sewer Rate Increases to Fund Infrastructure Improvements
Select Board votes for 9% water rate hike and 5% sewer rate increase; announces new "Town Hall on the Road" initiative to engage with residents
PLYMOUTH - May 27 - The Plymouth Select Board has approved increases to water and sewer rates for the upcoming fiscal year, with water rates rising by 9% and sewer rates by 5%. The board voted on the rate changes during their Tuesday meeting after a detailed presentation from Department of Public Works officials.
DPW Director Bill Coyle explained that the increases are necessary to maintain aging infrastructure and fund critical improvements throughout the town.
"Our water infrastructure is aging. I would say that about 25 miles, over 10 percent of the system is more than 75 years old," Coyle told the board.
The rate increases follow recommendations from a study conducted by consulting firm Raftelis, which analyzed Plymouth's operation and maintenance costs, debt service, and capital needs over the next five years.
Finance Director Lynne Barrett emphasized that despite the increases, most residential customers will still pay less than they did in fiscal year 2024 due to previous rate adjustments.
"Even with these increases proposed, the average residential bill should still be just slightly less than what they were in FY 24," Barrett said.
The water rate increase applies to both volumetric charges and fixed rates based on meter size. Most residential properties use a 5/8-inch meter, which will see a modest increase of less than $2 per quarter for the fixed rate component.
For sewer rates, the 5% increase will result in a rise of slightly more than $3 per quarter for the fixed rate for typical residential customers.
The board also approved increases to septage receiving rates (to 7.2 cents per gallon) and sludge receiving rates (to 8.5 cents per gallon). Solid waste rates will remain unchanged.
Board member Richard Quintal voted against the water rate increases, expressing concern about the impact on residents who are already struggling financially.
"When I see $151,000 on penalties and interest, that just catches my eye," Quintal said, referring to the amount collected from late payments. "We're going to burden a little more."
Several board members emphasized the need for better water conservation education and outreach. Board member Bill Keohan suggested the town should "be doing more on the outreach and conservation to take pressure off this water resource."
Former Water Conservation Committee Chairman Eric Cody spoke during public comment, noting that the summer peak water rate introduced last year generated approximately $192,000 in additional revenue.
"If the select board wants to help water consumers find ways to use less water and save, this money could be reinvested in water conservation outreach, leak detection and other programs," Cody suggested.
In other business, the board:
* Heard a presentation on the 2025 road program, which aims to improve nearly 40 miles of roads at a cost of approximately $10 million.
* Received an update on the recent local election, which saw the highest turnout in 10 years with 8,125 voters participating (15.36% of registered voters).
Chair Kevin Canty also announced a new initiative called "Town Hall on the Road," where select board meetings will be held in different locations throughout the community over the summer months.
"We really want to be out there and hearing from the residents and meeting the residents where they are," Canty said.
The first off-site meeting is scheduled for June 10 at the Cedarville Fire Station Community Room, followed by meetings at South Elementary on July 15, either South High or South Middle School on August 12, and Manomet Elementary on September 16.
The announcement sparked disagreement from Quintal, who questioned why the initiative wasn't being discussed as a formal agenda item before implementation.
"I think this needs to have discussion and I think it should be a docket item," Quintal said.
Town Manager Derek Brindisi provided several updates, including:
* A 400th anniversary cannon ceremony scheduled for Saturday, June 1, starting on the Town Hall Green at 10 a.m.
* Construction at the Center for Active Living to increase handicapped parking spaces and improve accessibility, funded by a $250,000 grant.
* Plans to demolish the building at the Full Sail on Taylor Avenue on Monday, June 3.
* Receipt of a $200,000 grant for a municipal fiber project to expand fiber connectivity to all town buildings.
* DPW Day on Friday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Camelot Drive.
Brindisi also noted that the deadline for Community Preservation Committee applications is Friday, May 31.
The board concluded the meeting with the announcement that Chair Canty and Vice Chair Golden will meet with Governor Maura Healey on June 11 to discuss priorities relevant to the Plymouth community.