Mayor To Address Framingham Water, Sewer Rate Hike Coming In July

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham residents may see a nearly 10 percent increase in water and sewer rates when the fiscal year begins in July, but residents will get to give city leaders feedback about the increase at an upcoming meeting.

Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer is proposing a 9.7 percent hike for each tier receiving city water and sewer service. The lowest tier, which applies to most single-family homes, would rise by about 58 cents per unit (748 gallons) for water service and 80 cents per sewer unit.

Spicer did not increase rates when the 2021 fiscal year began last July due to the pandemic — and that may be partially why residents are in for such a big increase this year.

A consultant hired by the City Council after this winter's water-sewer deficit crisis has said Framingham's rates have not kept pace with costs and the rate structure is outdated, leaving the city vulnerable to revenue losses if a large ratepayer were to leave town.

Water and sewer rate increases have been in the 2 percent range in recent years. But the water and sewer funds have taken on debt to keep the water system viable, leading to a revenue problem. When the pandemic hit, Framingham suffered major water and sewer revenue losses as businesses shut down and stopped buying utility services.

The City Council provided a $3.5 million bailout one year ago, and then $2.5 million more in February.

The public can respond to the proposed rate hike during the June 21 forum with Spicer and Chief Financial Officer Mary Ellen Kelley. The forum will be held via Zoom.