Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, MAy 23, 2025 Water Rates will rise by 6 percent Town Meeting votes overwhelmingly in support of Finance Committee recommendation that would increase average residential bill by $34 a year in the next fi scal year By Mark E. Vogler T own Meeting Members voted 38-5 in support of a 6 percent in the water rate for the 2026 Fiscal Year that begins July 1. Under the increase plan recommended by the Finance Committee, the average residential user would pay $594 a year, an increase of $34 in their annual water bill. The average commercial user would pay $5,282 a year, a $298 hike. Voting against the article were Town Meeting Members Jeanie Bartolo and William S. Brown of Precinct 6, Robert J. Camuso, Jr. and Matthew Parlante of Precinct 2 and Darren Ring of Precinct 10. In its recommendation of Article 11, the Finance Committee urged Town Meeting to adopt Option 2, the middle of three options, stipIf We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available ulating that all receipts be held in the Water Enterprise Fund to be used exclusively for water expenses, water maintenance, water debt and interest and water improvement programs. Option 1 provided for a 7 percent increase, which would have raised the average residential user’s bill up to $600 a year – a $40 hike. This option would have increased the average commercial user’s bill to $5,332 a year – a bump of $348. Option 3 provided for a 5 percent increase, which would have raised the average residential user’s bill up to $590 a year – a $28 increase. This option would have increased the average commercial user’s bill to $5,232 a year – a bump of $250. A report by the town’s longtime consultant, The Abrahams Group LLC, noted that the current fi scal year (FY 2025) was impacted in the following ways: ther said. “In this role, Norma is also very active in garnering community support for women varsity sports. She organizes events to encourage and inspire elementary aged girls to excel in sports and feel supported as athletes. She does all of this while maintaining a 3.84 GPA in her MBA program.” Waggett, along with fellow Saugus alumna Taylor Bogdanski, co-coached the Sachems to a successful completion of their basketball season this winter. The Sachems captured another Northeastern Conference title, won a postseason game and fi nished 14-8. Since her student athlete • Projected user charges revenue were up 8.7 percent over FY 2024’s due to a 6 percent increase and an increased usage due to the weather. • Projected expenses up $487,000 (or 5.9 percent) over FY 2024’s – mostly due to salaries, other expenses and debt. • $332,000 in retained earnings used to balance the budget projections show only $114,000 will be needed for the defi cit. Each year, the town focuses on a fi ve-year plan with objectives to: • Target projected retained earnings balance of 10 to 15 percent of operating budget • Eliminate shortfalls, which require retained earnings to balance the operating budget • Increase rates so revenues from rates cover expenditures • Fund capital plan for infrastructure and equipment NORMA WAGGETT | FROM PAGE 5 days at Saugus High, Waggett has excelled on and off the basketball court. She was a 1,000-point scorer at Saugus High School and in college, where she played at Saint Joseph’s in Maine and at Salem State University. “Norma would like to thank her family for their continued support of her academic and athletic paths (always attending games to support, even now when she is coaching),” Luther said. “She would also like to recognize Athletics Director Chris Harvey for his support during her transfer process into SSU. Congratulations, Norma.” Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! ■ Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. ■ Free Pickup & Towing. ■ Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 www.veterancardonations.org/dnt122 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011.
7 Publizr Home