NORTH ANDOVER — Selectmen will vote July 12 on a proposal to increase the average resident's annual water and sewer bill by $68.
The average North Andover water and sewer customer uses 2,500 cubic feet of water — about 18,700 gallons — per year.
That translates into a quarterly water and sewer bill of $260, under the town's tiered rate system.
But that would increase to $277 each quarter, under a 6 percent combined water and sewer rate increase now being proposed by North Andover Public Works Director Bruce Thibodeau.
Such a rate hike would cause the average customer's yearly bill to rise from $1,040 to $1,108.
Thibodeau said the town must raise rates to cover fixed costs in the water and sewer departments and to pay for debt incurred for recent infrastructure improvement projects.
If rates are increased, the first bills at the new rate will be sent to residents in August.
But several selectmen said this week that they're not sure how they'll vote.
"Raising any taxes at this time for the homeowner is not something I want to do," said Selectman Tracy Watson. "But unfortunately there are occasions where, regardless whether we want to or not, it has to be done."
Watson said she remains on the fence about how she'll vote. "I'm leaning toward not increasing it," said Watson. "I'm not sure if that's realistic."
Selectman Rick Nardella said the board may have to raise the rates just to keep the water and sewer budgets balanced.
"We almost don't have a choice," said Nardella.
Last year, selectmen agreed to increase the combined water and sewer rate by 15 percent. That resulted in a $136 increase in the average North Andover customer's yearly bill.
Thibodeau said wet springs in recent years have kept overall water usage low. "The fixed costs have to be covered," said Thibodeau. "If people use less water, the rates go up."
The July 12 meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
