Reading, MA — Consultant Matt Abrahams presented information to the Select Board on Tuesday regarding the future of water and sewer rates in town. Abrahams pointed out that the water enterprise fund has $5.5 million available, which is 62.5% of annual expenditures. He noted that town policy is to retain a minimum of 30% annual expenditures in that fund. While the reserves are strong, Abrahams stated, “Rate action is necessary for revenues to remain sustainable long-term.”
Abrahams continued, presenting how water costs would be affected by differing rate increases over the next ten years. If rates were to be raised by 2.5%, this would increase the annual costs for an average water user by $11 to $16. Large users could see costs rise by $54 a year. With a 1.75% rate increase, costs would increase by $12 to $18 annually for average users and $38 for large users. A 3.25% rate increase would raise annual costs by $22 to $33 for average users and by almost $71 for large users.
Abrahams also gave similar information regarding sewer rates. The sewer enterprise fund has $6.9 million available, which is 93.2% of annual expenditures. A 2% increase would be a $13 annual cost increase for the average user and $41 annually for a large user. If the board were to choose a 1.5% increase, the average user would experience an annual increase of $10 to $15, and a large user would incur an annual cost increase of $31. With a 2.5% increase, the average user would experience an annual cost increase of $16 to $24, while a large user would see an annual increase of $51.
The Select Board will have a public hearing regarding water rates at a future meeting.
By a vote of 5-0, the Select Board voted to borrow $3 million authorized by Town Meeting for the replacement of the Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) Field House flooring. This amount will be borrowed at a 4% coupon rate for nine months, before being paid off and reborrowed at a lower rate along with other major borrowing next year.
The board also voted 5-0 to approve non-union compensation and classification changes to reflect the Fiscal Year 2026 budget as approved by Town Meeting. April 25 was proclaimed as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading by a 5-0 vote as well. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, during his report, noted that the town is nearing the finish line regarding its acceptance into Green Communities. At the same time, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman shared that the town has been notified that it is now compliant with the MBTA Communities legislation.
Several members of the board called into question what they deemed as “lack of innovation” during a conversation regarding renewal of the town’s contract with RCTV. Kraunelis pointed out that the current contract is for five years and expires in June.
Citing dwindling funds due to cable customers “cutting the cord” and a recent downsizing of its physical space, chair Christopher Haley questioned why RCTV has not done more fundraising in town to bolster its efforts. He compared this to recent innovations made at public access studios in Wilmington, accusing RCTV leadership of being uninterested in change. Member Carlo Bacci also asked if, after RCTV’s move, studio space was now available in town for residents who desire to make a show. Bacci also proclaimed that “the direction [of RCTV] is not positive.”
RCTV board member Kathi Crook responded that the Main Street studio had become a financial liability, especially given the lack of interest from residents in producing their own content since the pandemic, a staple of RCTV programming in the past. She also noted that if a resident desired studio space, the studio at RMHS was available after school hours. Rooms at the library and the Pleasant Street center are also wired and available for use as studio space.
Select Board member Karen Rose Gillis stated that RCTV cannot force residents to use their services, while member Karen Herrick questioned what the future of access television might be. She also noted that RCTV had innovated by creating its own online news source as a way of continuing to inform the community.
Several residents, including Linda Snow Dockser and Bob Beckman, pointed out that RCTV has gone above and beyond the contract in its coverage of town events. These include coverage of additional government meetings, as well as televising town activities such as Memorial Day, the Menorah lighting, and other events. Snow Dockser points out that RCTV even funds classes for students at RMHS. “Everything they signed up to do, they have done, and more,” Beckman noted.
Kraunelis is tasked with conducting negotiations for a new contract with RCTV, which will be brought to the board for approval.
In light of the successful votes at Town Meeting and by the voters for the Reading Center for Active Living, the board also discussed the appraisal of the value of the Pleasant Street Center as a property for sale or lease, with Herrick questioning the comparables used in the assessment. Due to the hour, the board postponed a discussion regarding communications. The board is also planning a retreat for some time this summer.
The Select Board adjourned at 11:00 pm.
