THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 9 Water and sewer rate increases on tap for coming year By Adam Swift R esidents could see an increase of just under four percent in their water and sewer bills for fi scal year 2022. As part of the budget process for FY22, city Finance Director Richard Viscay told the City Council last Monday night, a rate increase of 3.9 percent is needed to cover increased charges from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) as well as increased debt service for infrastructure projects. To keep the proposed increases to a minimum, Viscay said, the City of Revere is also proposing that it use $2 million from the Water and Sewer Stabilization Fund to off set some of those costs. “This rate increase, along with the proposed $2 million stabilization fund transfer, will ensure that the revenues that come into the city for water and sewer will cover both direct and indirect costs of the operation of that department,” said Viscay. “We did realize eight new bond orders that [will] come on the books in ’22. The debt service has increased by $1 million, and the fi xed costs of debt services, along with the water and sewer assessments from the MWRA, are the driving force that forced us to increase our rate.” The water and sewer rate increases by one percent for every $300,000 jump in the budget, said Viscay. Without the accompanying transfer from the Water and Sewer Stabilization Fund, which currently totals about $7.5 million, Viscay said, water and sewer users could have been facing a double-digit increase in rates. “We didn’t think it would be a great time for double-digit water and sewer increases,” said Viscay. “We’ve been very diligent in funding our water and sewer stabilization account for extraordinary and unforeseen events, and the mayor, along with the administration, thinks it’s prudent to stabilize the rates by using some of the $7.5 million we have tucked away over the years into the water and sewer stabilization account.” Councillor-at-Large George Rotondo asked if there is any way the city could use some of the approximately $30 million in American Recovery Act funds the city is slated to receive to help off set the proposed rate increase. Viscay said it is still unclear how those funds can be used, but he added that it is likely that in future years the city could be able to use some of those federal funds for water and sewer infrastructure costs. In addition, Viscay said the city is planning on working with a consultant for a longer range rate analysis and multiyear rate proposal in fi scal year 2023 and beyond. The water and sewer budget will be among the department budgets the City Council will take up in the coming weeks in its Ways and Means Subcommittee as part of the larger FY22 municipal budget process. Zuntu named to Dean’s List at Fitchburg State University FITCHBURG – Fitchburg State University recently announced that Sani Zuntu of Revere was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2021 semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher. ~ FLASHBACK ~ 45th in a series of In 2010, the exchange program between Revere students and families hosted Japanese students to the Beach City who would enjoy the hospitality of Revere families and local establishments. The program created a memorable cultural experience for all. Many events were planned for the students, some of which included a tour of the city by Revere’s Historian Len Piazza, a Duck Boat tour, and a trip to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game. The program was funded by the generosity of the community. In the summer of 2011, 10 Revere students traveled to Japan to complete the exchange. Shown above are the Japanese and Revere students in front of Revere City Hall with then-Mayor Tom Ambrosino and tour guide Len Piazza. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma
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