Tewksbury Approves 6.5 Percent Water Rate Hike in $13.3 Million Capital Plan

Select Board · Meeting of February 10, 2026

Tewksbury Select Board accepts FY27 enterprise budgets projecting a 6.5 percent water rate increase and 3 percent sewer rate increase. Town Manager Cameron presented a $13.3 million capital plan drawing $2.573 million from the town's $23 million stabilization fund, $6.9 million in new borrowing, and $845,000 in Chapter 90 funds. The 6.5 percent water rate hike adds roughly $41 annually for 71 percent of residential customers; the sewer increase adds $14 per year for the same share of households.

Major capital items include $5.4 million in water pipe replacement, a new $800,000 hydro-vac truck, a new fire department ambulance, and $180,000 in studio upgrades at the Ella Fleming building. The board voted 4-0 on all items, with member Richard Russo, Jr. absent; Cameron warned that fiscal years 2028 and 2029 remain "very challenging" as revenue growth slows.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of February 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.