Salisbury adjusts town sewer rates

SALISBURY — The Water Pollution Control Authority held a public hearing Thursday, May 16 on raising the rates for town water and sewer use.

After the brief hearing, where there were only two attendees (one a reporter), the WPCA voted unanimously to raise the water rate by 20%.

WPCA chair Don Mayland explained that the water system has undergone significant infrastructure improvements recently.

In considering the rate increase, the WPCA opted for the 20% figure, the lowest of three considered, because the WPCA has sufficient cash on hand to make up the difference for two years.

As of July 1, water for a home with three bedrooms or less will go from $350 a year to $420. A four or five bedroom home goes from $524 to $630, and six bedrooms and up from $1,049 to $1,230.

Apartment buildings are charged per unit, from $350 to $420. The hook-up charge for sewer service remains at $5000.

Mayland noted that the WPCA looked at water rates in other towns, some nearby and some further afield, and the new rates are right in the middle of the pack.