Taxpayers have subsidized the water and sewer department for over a decade

LANCASTER — Taxpayers have subsidized the water and sewer department for over a decade. That will change. The Select Board is poised to approve the first rate increase in 14 years, which would make the department self-sufficient. As proposed, water and sewer rates would increase from $3.75 to $6.50 per 1,000 gallons in April 2025, and the rate for water consumption over one million gallons would increase from 30 to 50 cents per 1,000. The Select Board would then review the water department’s financials in late 2025/early 2026 to determine if a second increase to $8 per 1,000 gallons was needed. The proposal will go to a Select Board public hearing this fall, with a date to be determined.