No change to water rates, proposed sewer rate increase 5% and proposed fire suppression charges for customers with fire service lines

To provide background, answer questions, and take public testimony regarding the proposed fiscal year 2019 Somerville water and sewer rate charges — including a fire suppression charge for the subset of customers (fewer than 630) with sprinkler systems and fire service lines— an informational session with Q&A followed by a public hearing will be held on Monday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the Somerville High School Cafeteria, 81 Highland Avenue.

The informational session with Q&A starts at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing will follow promptly at 6:30 p.m., and during this time, members of the community are invited to provide public testimony for the record. Additional Q&A time will be offered following the hearing if attendees have remaining topics of discussion.

Offered by the Director of the Water & Sewer Department, the purpose of this hearing is to compile testimony from Somerville rate payers relevant to the fiscal year 2019 water and sewer rates. The informational session will provide an explanation of the rate changes and will give ratepayers an opportunity to ask questions. All are invited to attend, join the informal discussion, and/or provide official testimony.

Written testimony will also be accepted through noon Friday, May 18. Please send testimony with your full name and address to Director of Water and Sewer John DeLuca by email to waterandsewer@somervillema.gov or by mail to the address below. Please note that mailed testimony must be postmarked by noon on May 18:

Director John DeLuca
City of Somerville Water & Sewer Dept.
17 Franey Road,
Somerville, MA 02145

Proposed Rates

Pursuant to Chapter 11, Section 11-125 and Section 11-164 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Somerville, the table below outlines the proposed water & sewer volumetric rates for the fiscal year 2019, which runs from July 2018 through June 2019.

The FY19 rates represent no increase in water volumetric (usage) charges, a 5% increase in sewer volumetric charges, no change to existing base charges in both water and sewer, and the creation of a fire suppression charge only for customers with fire suppression systems (such as sprinklers). These adjustments are all consistent with the rate study completed during FY16.

(100 cubic feet is equal to 748 gallons)

(100 cubic feet is equal to 748 gallons)

The recommended fire suppression charge is outlined in the table below and further information on the fire suppression charge can be found on the city website atwww.somervillema.gov/water.

More Information

For more information on Water and Sewer services and the proposed FY19 rates please visit www.somervillema.gov/water.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Water and Sewer department at 617-625-6600 ext. 5850.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contactshould contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.