Public Hearing on Proposed FY27 Water and Sewer Rates May 28: Somerville Community Encouraged to Join

The City of Somerville Water & Sewer Department invites all community members to a public hearing to review proposed Water and Sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2027.  

Water and Sewer rates are typically adjusted each year. Proposed changes and items to be discussed include: 

• A 15% increase in revenues from water volumetric charges;  
• A 15% increase in revenues from sewer volumetric charges; 
• No changes to existing base charges for both water and sewer. 

These rate increases are necessary to fund essential improvements to Somerville’s water, sewer, and stormwater drainage infrastructure. The Water & Sewer Department’s FY27 proposal includes higher rate increases than is typical in Somerville to help ensure the City can cover the costs of the federally mandated combined sewer overflow control plan and other flood mitigation efforts throughout the city while continuing to deliver reliable service to residents. 

The hearing will take place on Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. Members of the public may attend in person or join virtually: 

• In person at the Highlander Forum located at Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.). [Please note this is a change of location from Franey Road to the High School.] 
• Virtually via Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/87092143821 
• Webinar ID: 870 9214 3821  

If you’re unable to attend but would like to share feedback, please send comments by: 

• Email: water@somervillema.gov with the subject line “RATE HEARING” 
• U.S. Mail: Somerville Water & Sewer Department, 17 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145 

Comments must be received by 12 p.m. on May 28 to be conveyed to the Department during the hearing. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov. 

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.