Billerica Select Board Advances $50 Million DPW Facility, Approves Rate Hikes

BILLERICA -- June 5, 2023, Billerica Select Board advances $50 million DPW facility and proposes combined water and sewer rate increases averaging five percent. The board received a presentation from Tony Westpizer of Weston and Sampson Engineers showing the proposed 67,500-square-foot consolidated Department of Public Works facility on Treble Cove Road had been reduced more than 28 percent from a 2006 estimate of 94,800 square feet, with a current cost estimate of approximately $50 million targeting a fall Town Meeting appropriation vote. Selectwoman Kim Conway challenged the size disparity between men's and women's locker rooms, saying, "My hope and dream is we have as many women work in this building as we do men, if not more." Water and sewer rate consultant Dave Fox of Raftelis recommended a 3 percent water increase and a 7 percent sewer increase for fiscal year 2024, which would raise a typical household's combined bill from $899 to approximately $948 per year. Selectman Michael Rosa argued against the water increase, pointing to a projected 41.5 percent drop in water debt service between FY2024 and FY2025 and a $2.1 million retained earnings balance. The board also filled three Conservation Commission vacancies, appointing Joanne Giovino and Jack Bowen to three-year terms and Christine Ayers to a one-year term on a 4-to-1 vote.