On Thursday, May 8, the Water & Sewer Authority (WSA) held a public hearing to hear comment on a 9% rate increase. The 9% increase would raise the rates from $9.64 a gallon to $10.51 a gallon.

Fred Hurley, director of Public Works, said that he expects an average increase to families in town will be $124 per year, or $31 per quarter, which is how often the bills are sent out. The WSA owes the town general fund $271,000 as a shortfall was found last year in the budget. The increase will not only pay back the general fund, but also prevents future shortfalls.

There were no public participants, so the WSA closed the public hearing. The WSA did not reach a quorum and is therefore planning a special meeting on Monday, May 19, 6 pm to vote on the increase. The meeting will be held at Public Works, 4 Turkey Hill Road.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.