Select Board approves steep water rate increases; building permit fees continued to April 6.
Select Board approves 253 percent seasonal water rate increase effective May 1. Chair Charles Surpitski and Vice Chair Michael Dougherty led the 4-1 vote to raise residential rates from $8.50 to $29.91 per 100 cubic feet during May through September, while Linda Alexson opposed, calling the
Select Board (Formerly Board of Selectmen) · Meeting of March 23, 2026
IPSWICH — Select Board approves 253 percent seasonal water rate increase effective May 1. Chair Charles Surpitski and Vice Chair Michael Dougherty led the 4-1 vote to raise residential rates from $8.50 to $29.91 per 100 cubic feet during May through September, while Linda Alexson opposed, calling the structure excessive and unsustainable. The wastewater sewer rate was approved unanimously at $17.41 per 100 cubic feet year-round.
Water/Wastewater Director Vicki Halmen attributed the increases to infrastructure investments in the Asset Management Plan. The board continued the Building Department permit fee hearing and Annual Town Meeting Warrant Review to April 6.
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Source: the Select Board (Formerly Board of Selectmen) meeting of March 23, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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