City staff presented two rate templates for 2027–2030 that would phase to a common volume charge by 2030; council asked for more analysis and outreach after industry and residents raised concerns about competitiveness, fairness and transparency.

Consultants told the select board the town faces roughly $52.5 million in water system projects and recommended phased capital work alongside rate increases (22% for residential/commercial in 2028–29, a 40% agricultural usage hike) to fund them; presenters said low‑income customers would still pay about 2.3% of income by FY32 under the plan.

City staff told the council that a rate study found Henderson’s water and sewer funds unsustainable and outlined phased increases already approved to cover system reinvestment; staff said they will step up customer outreach after calls about surprising bills.

Staff presented Baker Tilly's draft rate recommendations: water volume charges will shift from usage tiers to customer‑class tiers and wastewater base charges will move to a meter‑size basis. Staff said roughly 77% of residential customers (≤8,000 gallons) would see no increase or a decrease; high users and many commercial customers would face increases.

NewGen consultant recommended phased water, sewer and solid-waste rate changes to fund $22 million in capital projects and to preserve reserve and debt-service coverage. Example impacts: a 2,000-gallon bill would rise from $55.74 to $61.59; average 5,000-gallon bill from $69.12 to $76.20; residential solid-waste from $19.46 to $20.50.

After public comment and debate, trustees adopted Ordinance No. 01-2026 approving stormwater and other utility fees but excluded the proposed water-rate changes following a 3–3 split on the initial motion; the board will revisit water rates with more public materials.

Staff proposed a compromise package that would lower single-family water base charges by about 3% while increasing wastewater revenues by 18% and raising stormwater by roughly 25%; trustees debated the RAG recommendation versus staff's approach and asked staff to return with ordinances and the final consultant report.

The Bridgewater Finance Committee recommended new FY27 water and sewer rates and approved loan authorizations that would fund a permanent treatment plant for Wells 10A/10B and targeted water-main replacements, aided by a $2.0 million federal grant, while staff pledged annual reviews of rate performance.

Committee evaluates irrigation meter fees and rate structures to address revenue losses.

Staff presented a FY26–27 budget preview showing a preliminary $1.35M general-fund shortfall, outlined public-works and utilities equipment requests intended to reduce recurring rental costs, and said the water enterprise could need steep rate increases in a worst-case chromium-6 funding scenario.

Consultants propose equitable water service rates amid aging infrastructure and maintenance needs.