“06880” reader John McCarthy posted a simple status update on Facebook:
Hearing some very disturbing things about huge increases in sewer fees in Westport, CT. Smelly business.
His friends quickly joined the fray.
“Probably based on water usage instead of a flat fee,” said Board of Finance member Charles W.K. Haberstroh. “Large increases will hurt certain businesses, like YMCA, restaurants, gyms, large families. Don’t know if there is a phase-in process. Haven’t heard, do you know?”
It does not seem usage-based, McCarthy replied. He cited someone married — with no kids — who faced a 28% increase.
McCarthy’s own family of 4 — “with no abnormal water usage” — saw its bill rise from $382 to $633.96, a 66% increase. “All that was supposed to happen,” he said, “was a re-allocation based on usage.”
Matthew Mandell — like McCarthy, an RTM member — posted that at the previous night’s meeting, “we heard the dope on this. Fees would have gone to $450 across the board. Debt service is part of the increase.
Jimmy Izzo’s bill went from $285 to $685. He wondered if the sewer bill is “a hidden way of paying pensions and other shortfalls.”
McCarthy responded with this info: “Usage charges are budgeted to increase 12% this year ($3.13 to $3.41 million).”
He cited 4 examples he’s heard, of increases ranging from 30% to 140%. “How do these increases average out to 12%” across the board, he asked.
“Individual usage varies a lot,” noted Haberstroh. Pools and/or lawn sprinkler systems will cause a “geometric” sewer bill increase.
McCarthy countered quickly: “Charlie, the rates were set based on the last Dec-May bills in order to exclude the impact of pools and lawn watering.”
The debate — and questions — continue. “06880” readers are invited to weigh in. Hold your noses — but don’t hold back.