Mansfield Select Board Approves 5 Percent Water, 3 Percent Sewer Rate Increases

MANSFIELD — April 6, 2022 — Mansfield Select Board raises water rates 5 percent and sewer rates 3 percent, effective immediately. The board voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the fiscal year 2023 rate increases, which will add roughly $9.25 per quarter to the combined bill of a typical residential water and sewer customer, bringing it from approximately $238 to just under $248 per quarter. David Fox of Raftelis, the town's rate study consultant, attributed the water increase primarily to debt service on PFAS treatment projects at Kate Springs and Walsh Well, and to the need to build the water fund's financial reserves; he noted the town was holding to the same projections set a year ago, in contrast to other Massachusetts communities facing increases of 18 to 20 percent. The board separately received word that $909,165 in loan forgiveness has been applied to the $4.5 million Kate Springs construction project. In other action, the board approved an outdoor patio expansion for Trattoria La Cucina di Nonna at 150/160 North Main Street and presented its annual Community Service Awards to Eagle Scout Ryan Morley (youth), National Black Doll Museum founder Deborah Britt (adult), and Knights of Columbus volunteer Charlie Spath (lifetime achievement).